China’s Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit and the Victory Day Parade will stay ingrained in the memory of the Western world. The events clearly designed to rattle the West gathered the leaders from some of the most populous, influential and anti-American nations in the world with the aim to forge a closer alliance. China’s guest of honor, Vladimir Putin, was joined by the leaders from India, North Korea, Myanmar and Iran — an assembly many observers label the “axis of upheaval.”
The spectacle came just weeks after Putin met with President Donald Trump in Alaska to discuss the potential for peace in Ukraine. Yet Russia’s renewed bombings of civilian targets since the meeting has spoken volumes about Russia’s unwillingness to stop the war. Beijing’s warm reception of Putin and his allies presents an unequivocal display of China’s support for Russia’s war strategy. The West needs to recognize this reality, strengthen its defense and end its dependencies on China.
For too long, the U.S. has turned a blind eye to Beijing’s influence in its economy. From consumer electronics to pharmaceuticals to critical defense components, Chinese exports have become embedded in Western life. This reliance has now been weaponized.
In April, China’s Ministry of Commerce imposed export restrictions on seven rare earth elements and magnets used in the defense, energy and automotive sectors. The move came in direct response to Trump’s tariff increases on Chinese products. The restrictions placed immense pressure on American manufacturers, with industry giants such as Ford forced to temporarily halt the production of electric vehicles. The episode underscored a sobering reality: America’s reliance on China for its critical sectors is not simply an economic inconvenience — it is a national security vulnerability.
The U.S., as well as its NATO allies, need to understand that China’s capitalist efficiency is inseparable from its ideological loyalties, and Western defense sectors must act accordingly. The current dialogue is focused on eliminating dependency from China by producing similar defense products in the Western Hemisphere. However, the focus should be placed not on replicating the Chinese products, but on producing better ones — ones fit for the challenges the West is facing.
The country that understood this reality through atrocious war is Ukraine. The war in Ukraine became the world’s largest drone conflict in history. When China decided to halt the sales of its Mavic drone to Ukraine, instead of trying to produce the same product, Ukraine designed a better one at home.
The particular product that deserves a mention is “Shmavic” drone, produced by Ukrainian defense company Reactive Drone. The purpose of the Shmavik drone is to conduct frontline reconnaissance operations and stream live footage from the front. By doing so, the drone significantly enhances the situational awareness of the Ukrainian military, enabling the military personnel to plan more effectively and conduct operations more efficiently.
At this stage of the war, these types of drones have become vital. While the Shmavik drone exceeds the specifications of Chinese drones by offering longer flying times, the real reason why products designed in Ukraine matter are their battlefield-tested qualities.
Importantly, the Shmavic drone was designed specifically for the harsh realities of contemporary warfare. Capitalizing on battlefield experience, the drone is equipped with communication systems that make it resistant to Russia’s electronic warfare. Additionally, its rugged design makes it highly resistant to damage, allowing for repairs and maintenance even under demanding field conditions. Yet, what makes the Shmavic extraordinary is not just its specifications but the feedback loop that drives its evolution.
Built near the frontlines, these drones undergo continuous improvements informed by daily combat experience. Every month, sometimes every week, designs are updated to reflect real-world lessons. By contrast, Chinese-made products, developed for consumer markets far removed from battlefields, can never match this adaptability. This is the true advantage of Ukraine’s defense sector: agility, innovation, and an uncompromising focus on survival. Western security depends on incorporating these qualities into its own defense production.
Europe has already pledged vast sums to strengthen its defenses. The European Union’s 800 billion euro Readiness 2030 Plan aims to transform military preparedness across the Continent. Yet too many European projects, such as the long-delayed Future Combat Air System (FCAS), remain mired in bureaucracy and stagnation. Meanwhile, in just three years of war, Ukraine has built a vibrant defense industry that outpaces many established Western efforts.
The lesson is clear: Ukraine has not only fought bravely for its survival but has also pioneered methods and technologies that the West desperately needs. It is time to appreciate this gift by ramping-up on Ukrainian drones and supporting the country’s defense sector by investing in joint ventures.
As China has demonstrated its deepening partnership with Russia, the U.S. and its allies need to show unity in breaking away from Chinese supply chains, committing to innovation over replication and recognizing that Ukraine is not merely a recipient of Western aid but a partner whose battlefield ingenuity is indispensable. The only way for the West to ensure its security is to integrate Ukrainian solutions into its defense architecture, invest in joint ventures, and embrace the agility that has allowed Kyiv to outpace its adversaries. Doing so would not only strengthen NATO and Europe’s resilience but also send a clear message to Beijing and Moscow: the West will not be divided, dependent, or deterred.
Wes Martin, a retired U.S. Army colonel, has served in law enforcement positions around the world and holds an MBA in International Politics and Business.
