Arming for Peace: Why the West Must Act Now to Equip Ukraine

 

China's ongoing support to Russia’s military, providing 90% of its microelectronics in 2023, transcends mere trade—it's a strategy bolstering authoritarian powers. The West must empower Ukraine militarily to clearly oppose global autocracy.

As a dedicated observer of international relations, I have watched with growing concern the unfolding geopolitical drama sparked by Russia's aggression in Ukraine. Today, I wish to discuss a critical and urgent shift that needs to occur in the stance of the West, particularly the United States, regarding military support to Ukraine. This is a subject that requires our undivided attention and a robust action.

In the recent disclosures by senior Biden administration officials, it has become alarmingly clear that the scale of military collaboration between China and Russia has deepened. The year 2023 alone has shown that approximately 90% of Russia’s microelectronics, vital for military hardware such as missiles and aircraft, originated from China. Moreover, a staggering 70% of Russia’s machine tool imports, which are essential for manufacturing various weaponry, were sourced from China in the last quarter alone. These statistics are not just numbers; they are a glaring testament to the escalating sophistication and capacity of Russian military aggression, fuelled indirectly by Chinese support.

The collaboration extends beyond mere trade. The establishment of joint ventures for producing unmanned aerial vehicles and the mutual exchange of vital optical and electronic components for military hardware underscore a major escalation in tactical military collaboration. This partnership is no longer confined to passive economic interactions; it represents a deliberate strategic alignment that has serious ramifications for the security infrastructure of Europe and the broader landscape of global stability.

As these unsettling facts come to light, the diplomatic efforts by Western powers, including high-profile meetings such as Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s upcoming discussions in China and the Group of 7 foreign ministers' summit in Italy, appear inadequately focused on the gravity of these developments. While the importance of maintaining diplomatic channels cannot be overstated, the current crisis necessitates a response that extends beyond conventional diplomatic caution. The emerging military synergies between Beijing and Moscow demand a recalibrated approach from global leaders, one that addresses the direct threats posed by these alliances with the urgency they warrant.

In response to these developments, President Joe Biden has voiced his concerns directly to Chinese President Xi Jinping regarding China's indirect yet consequential support of Russia's military actions in Ukraine. Despite these high-level exchanges, there has been no noticeable decrease in China’s participation. Instead, the scope of trade and technological exchanges between China and Russia has only expanded. Official statements from Chinese representatives, which frame the Sino-Russian economic relationship as normal and criticize Western objections, emphasize the critical need for a reassessment of how the West views and reacts to this growing alliance. This situation calls for a more assertive and strategic response to counteract the strengthening bond between China and Russia, which is poised to reshape the international order.

Given this scenario, it is imperative for the West, led by the United States, to recalibrate its approach towards Ukraine. The provision of defensive and offensive weaponry to Ukraine is not merely a tactical necessity but a strategic imperative. The goal should be clear: to bolster Ukraine's defense capabilities to a point where it can effectively deter and repel Russian advances. This action would serve multiple strategic objectives. Primarily, it would significantly undermine the military confidence of Russia, indirectly impacting the strategic posture of China and other nations that might feel emboldened by the apparent hesitancy of the West.

By stepping up military support, the United States and its allies would not only be supporting a sovereign nation's right to defend itself but also be sending a potent message to autocratic regimes worldwide. The message would underline that international law and the sovereignty of nations cannot be trifled with without consequences. Such a move would also potentially humble the likes of Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping, whose actions have been marked by a disturbing disregard for international norms and human rights.

Moreover, the aggressive posture and expansionist policies of these leaders need to be checked by a show of unified strength and resolve from democratic nations. This is not merely about Ukraine; it is about the preservation of international order, the rule of law, and the prevention of future conflicts sparked by similar acts of aggression.

The evidence laid before us, through intelligence reports and economic data, clearly illustrates the complex web of military and economic ties that bolster adversarial regimes. Ignoring this data, or worse, delaying decisive actions, could lead to a further erosion of global stability. Therefore, as a matter of both principle and strategy, it is essential that the West, led by the United States, steps forward decisively.

This article, thus, is not merely an academic exercise; it is a call to action—a plea for the leaders of the free world to uphold the principles that define and sustain our global order. The time for political drama is over. It is time to act, and act decisively, for the sake of Ukraine and for the integrity of international relations.