Russia and China Test Western Military Dominance

China “accounted for a third of Asia’s military spending in 2016 and was looking to sell more arms abroad, the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) said… On air power, China ‘appears to be reaching near-parity with the West,’ IISS said, adding that Chinese-made drones had been seen in Nigeria and Saudi Arabia” (Deutsche Welle, February 14, 2017). Russia is also becoming more aggressive in its military role across the globe. “Moscow has secretly deployed a SSC-8 cruise missile, a move violating the 1987 INF deal accredited with ending the Cold War… Reports of the recent missile deployment have further complicated US-Russia relations… Russia now has two battalions of the cruise missile, quoting administration officials” (Deutsche Welle, February 15, 2017). This comes on top of the news that a “Russian ship was in international waters, 70 miles off the coast of Delaware and heading north at 10 knots, according to one official,” which likely is a test to the new administration in Washington, DC (Fox News, February 14, 2017).

The recent build up and assertiveness of Chinese and Russian militaries could fit with Bible prophecies that describe a future 200-million-man army that will invade the Middle East from “the east and the north” (Daniel 11:44; Revelation 9:14-16). These kings will form a powerful eastern alliance, wielding extraordinary military might and massive troop numbers, which will destroy one-third of mankind (Revelation 9:18). This alliance will likely involve the heavily populated, militarily strong nations of Asia, including China and Russia. For more information, read our booklet Revelation: the Mystery Unveiled.