The Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) reported the information.RUSI said the assistance is aimed at widening Beijing’s options for deploying forces in any cross-Taiwan Strait operation. Chinese President Xi Jinping has ordered the PLA to be ready for a potential military operation by 2027, the report added.The think-tank warned that a large-scale amphibious landing faces significant obstacles, including a limited number of suitable beaches for landing craft and the vulnerability of airfields to rapid disabling — lessons it said were underscored by Russia’s experience in Ukraine. As a result, RUSI said, the PLA is seeking to diversify both the methods and locations from which it could deploy troops and equipment.Although the number of areas where Russia still surpasses China in military capability is shrinking, Moscow retains practical experience and operational know-how in air maneuvering that Beijing lacks. According to contracts and correspondence obtained by the Black Moon hacker group, Russia agreed in 2023 to supply the PLA with a full set of weapons and equipment to outfit an airborne battalion, along with specialized gear required for airborne infiltration by special forces. The deal also included a complete training cycle for operators and technical personnel. In parallel, Russia is transferring technology that will enable China to expand production of similar weapons and equipment through localization and modernization.RUSI relies on approximately 800 pages of contracts and related materials. Independent experts have verified their authenticity. It is possible that parts of the documents have been altered or omitted.The agreements provide for the sale by Russia to China of:37 BMD-4M, light amphibious assault vehicles with a 100 mm gun and 30 mm automatic cannon.11 Sprut-SDM1 light amphibious anti-tank self-propelled guns with a 125 mm cannon.11 BTR-MDM ‘Rakushka’ airborne armoured personnel carriers.Several Rubin command and observation vehicles and KSHM-E command vehicles.The agreements stipulate that all armored vehicles must be equipped with Chinese communication and control systems, and that their electromagnetic compatibility with Russian electronic equipment must be verified.The agreements also require Russia to train a battalion of Chinese paratroopers in the use of this equipment. Armored vehicle drivers will undergo training at the Kurganmashzavod base, while crews of KMN command and observation vehicles and Sprut anti-tank guns will be trained in Penza at JSC NPP Rubin. After completing courses on training equipment and simulators, the Chinese airborne battalion will undergo collective training at training grounds in China.