China's veto prevents Belarus from arming Russia with Polonez-M

Without China's consent, transferring Belarusian Polonez-M systems to Russia, whose performance we recall, will not be possible. It is one of the most advanced weapons of the Lukashenko regime, recently tested in combat readiness tests.

The newspaper South China Morning Post examined Belarusian weapons. As highlighted in its pages, the Polonez-M systems have much in common with China. They were not only prepared in cooperation with Chinese engineers, but Chinese-made missiles were also used in the launchers.

For this reason, any potential transfer of Polonez-M systems into Russian hands would require Beijing's consent. Despite the tense relations between Beijing and the West, its issuance is currently out of the question.

A "South China Morning Post" columnist emphasized that Beijing and Minsk are trying not to cross the West's red lines in military cooperation with each other and Russia. Predictable ties should continue to remain visible, mainly in the economic sphere.

The Polonez-M missile systems significantly differ from the post-Soviet weapons, which still comprise a large part of the Belarusian army's equipment. Their range is estimated at 300 kilometres (with an error margin of about 30 metres due to inertial and satellite navigation). The missiles used here are 301 mm calibre.

The launchers used in the Polonez-M systems have 8 guides and are mounted on the chassis of the MZKT-7930 transporter in an 8x8 drive configuration. The complete combat group also includes transport-loading vehicles that can transport and load ammunition and a command vehicle (in a 6x6 drive configuration).

Questions about the potential transfer of Polonez-M systems into Russian hands arose from the widespread cooperation between Belarus and Russia. The Lukashenko regime also helps in the invasion of Ukraine, not only by providing its territories for the military and transports but also by supplying weapons.

Initially, reports emerged about support in the form of artillery ammunition and heavy military equipment, including Kamaz and Ural trucks, T-72A tanks, and BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicles.