The Almaz-Antey S-400 “Triumf,” also known by its NATO codename of SA-21 “Growler.” (Photo Courtesy: NOSINT)
In a major setback for China, Russia has suspended the delivery of S-400 'Triumf' surface-to-air missile systems to the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA), reports news agency ANI citing Chinese newspaper Sohu.
As per the report, China is said to have put forward the view that Russia was forced to make such a decision as it was worried that the delivery of S-400 missile systems at this time would have impacted the PLA's anti-pandemic efforts and caused troubled for China.
Meanwhile, it should be noted that the suspension comes merely days after Russia had accused China of espionage, despite the two nations sharing considerably good relations over the years.
This assertion had come up after Russian authorities had found the president of its St Petersburg Arctic Social Sciences Academy, Valery Mitko handing over classified material to the Chinese intelligence.
Considered to be the most advanced missile defence system in the world, the S-400 'Triumf' system is capable of destroying targets at a distance of up to 400 kilometres and a height of up to 30 kilometres.
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