Australia’s top intelligence official has sounded an alarm over an “emerging axis” of nations backing Russia, calling it a significant global threat. Speaking at the Raisina Downunder conference in Canberra, Andrew Shearer, Director-General of the Office of National Intelligence, expressed concern over the alliance between China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia.
China’s Support For Russia In Ukraine War
Shearer stated that China’s economic and diplomatic support for Russia is enabling its continued aggression in Ukraine. He noted that China’s dual-use assistance is sustaining Russian forces on the battlefield, contributing to the conflict in Ukraine. “China’s massive provision of dual-use assistance to Putin… is keeping Putin’s army in the field,” he said.
Iran And North Korea’s Contributions To Russia
The intelligence chief also highlighted contributions from Iran and North Korea. Iran has provided drones, while North Korea has reportedly sent missiles and troops to support Russian efforts in Ukraine. According to South Korean and U.S. sources, around 10,000 North Korean troops have recently arrived in Russia to assist in the ongoing conflict.
A Strategic Challenge For The West
Shearer emphasised the difficulty Western nations face in countering this alliance, describing it as “one of the strategic challenges of our time.” Australia, a member of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance, is closely monitoring the developments as part of a collaborative effort to address this growing threat.
(With Inputs From Reuters)
