Part 3/10:
The Evolving Relationship with Russia
Despite the strides in indigenous innovation, the relationship with Russia remains relevant. China still considers Russian military technology as a valuable resource, especially given that it would prefer reliance on Russia over Western countries like the United States or Europe for certain defense capabilities. However, the current trajectory suggests that China’s own development efforts are becoming increasingly autonomous, and the dependence on Russia is diminishing.
While Russia continues to be a significant partner in supplying advanced systems, China's focus appears to be on developing its own design and manufacturing capabilities, which signifies a move toward strategic independence.