There are reports that expansionist Russia is seeking China's assistance in constructing a tunnel between Russia and occupied Crimea, to protect shipments from Ukrainian bombardment. Currently the Kerch bridge serves as a road and rail link for Russia to occupied Crimea, but it has been hit twice and heavily damaged by Ukrainian attacks. The WaPo story continues:
"Russian and Chinese business executives with government ties have held secret discussions on plans to build an underwater tunnel connecting Russia to Crimea in hopes of establishing a transportation route that would be protected from attacks by Ukraine, according to communications intercepted by Ukraine’s security services.
The talks, which included meetings in late October, were triggered by mounting Russian concerns over the security of an 11-mile bridge across the Kerch Strait that has served as a key logistics line for the Russian military but has been bombed twice by Ukraine and remains a vulnerable war target. [snip]
Constructing a tunnel near the existing bridge would face enormous obstacles, according to U.S. officials and engineering experts who said work of such magnitude, probably costing billions of dollars and taking years to complete, has never been attempted in a war zone. [snip]
The project would also pose political and financial risks for China, which has never officially recognized Russia’s annexation of Crimea, and whose companies could become ensnared in economic sanctions that the United States and the European Union have imposed on Moscow." (our emphasis)
The U.S. and its allies should warn China that any support that they render to Russia will be countered by heavy sanctions on Chinese companies and individuals, and a further recalibration of relations with them. Let the Russian war criminals dig the hole themselves, pick and shovel style.
(photo: October 2022 attack aftermath on Kerch bridge. Ukrainian Security Service)
