Australia’s intelligence chief warns of ‘new axis’ backing Russia: China, Iran, N. Korea

Australia’s top intelligence official, Director-General Andrew Shearer, warned on Wednesday of a “profoundly troubling” alliance of countries providing strategic support to Russia in its war against Ukraine.

Shearer pointed to China, Iran and North Korea as central players on this emerging “axis,” which Western countries are struggling to counter.

Why it matters?

Speaking at the Raisina Downunder conference in Canberra, Shearer emphasized that this growing alliance, with China and Russia at its core, poses a significant challenge to global stability. He noted the West has underestimated the strategic impact of these nations’ coordination.

Key points from Shearer’s remarks

• Shearer highlighted China’s “massive provision” of dual-use economic, diplomatic, and logistical assistance to Russia, which he said is sustaining Russia’s military efforts in Ukraine. “China’s support is keeping Putin’s army in the field, killing innocent Ukrainians, as surely as if they were providing artillery ammunition and missiles,” he stated.
• Iran’s contribution to drones and North Korea’s supply of missiles and combat troops were also mentioned. South Korea and the U.S. report that around 10,000 North Korean troops have recently arrived in Russia to support its campaign in Ukraine.

Broader impact

Shearer called this alliance “one of the strategic challenges of our time” and said that the Five Eyes intelligence alliance – which includes the U.S., U.K., Canada and New Zealand – is working urgently to devise effective measures to counter the threat.

As Australia’s chief intelligence advisor to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Shearer’s warnings come amid escalating concerns over increased cooperation among authoritarian regimes.