The China-Russia-North Korea Authoritarian Axis Looms Over Wars in Ukraine and Iran

The China-Russia-North Korea authoritarian axis is emerging as a potential threat to the ongoing wars in Ukraine and Iran. Reports suggest that China has sold Iran missile systems, including shoulder-fired missile systems, in a deal worth between $60 million and $70 million. The missile systems, which could help Iran rebuild short-range air defenses, are being smuggled through a Hong Kong-based company, Zhongqing Baoshang International Investment.

China's Foreign Ministry has denied these allegations, stating that there is no factual ground for the reports. However, China's Defense Ministry has also denied knowledge of the situation. Iran has also received assistance from Russia, including medicine, food, drones, and intelligence, which has helped Iran hit U.S. assets in the Middle East.

North Korea, completing the authoritarian axis, is reportedly sending troops and missile launchers to Russia. This trend of deepening cooperation between authoritarian powers in Ukraine and Iran could have serious implications for Middle Eastern security dynamics, potentially prolonging the war in Iran. Australia and other Indo-Pacific powers should be vigilant of this development, as China, Russia, and North Korea are already working together in Ukraine, and potentially targeting Taiwan and other Indo-Pacific targets next.