China becomes Russia's top supplier, may have sent lethal weapons - The Economist
Photo: Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin (Getty Images)
China has become the primary supplier to Russia's military-industrial complex, and may have already begun supplying lethal weapons, The Economist reports.
The media outlet points to Russian-produced Shahed drones as an example. These UAVs were previously filled with American microelectronics, which were smuggled in via Asia to circumvent sanctions.
However, The Economist reports that modern Shahed drones are now equipped with Chinese components. According to Ukraine's Defense Intelligence, some of these drones feature Chinese-made antennas. One examined drone reportedly contained only two American parts out of 15 total.
Since 2022, China has cautiously supplied military aid to Russia. Ukrainian and European officials say Beijing rejected some of Moscow's requests for equipment and support, avoiding large-scale shipments of ammunition or lethal weapons to prevent triggering US or EU sanctions.
"But there are signs that China has approached (in the supply of lethal weapons - ed.) - and possibly crossed that line," The Economist writes.
Western officials told The Economist that since 2023, China has provided Russia with various types of support, including critical weapons components and commercial drones. Importantly, they also pointed to a small number of artillery shells and military drones.
So far, no public evidence confirms large-scale transfers of artillery shells. In early 2023, China reportedly considered supplying Russia with 122 mm and 152 mm shells, but there's no indication this occurred at scale.
Later that year, Ukrainian forces found Chinese-made mortar shells near Melitopol. However, it remains unclear whether they came directly from China or via third countries.
"In practice, Chinese weapons are far less vital to Russia than Chinese components and tools," the media outlet notes.
China's stance on war
Despite claims of a neutral position on Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Beijing continues cooperating with Moscow. Chinese companies provide Russia with dual-use goods - civilian items that can also be used for military production.
In April, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine possesses evidence of Chinese arms supplies to Russia - a claim Beijing officially denies.
Zelenskyy also revealed Ukraine has identified over 150 Chinese citizens fighting on Russia's side. Ukrainian forces previously captured two Chinese in combat.
Furthermore, Ukraine's Foreign Intelligence Service says Russia plans to manufacture 2 million FPV drones this year, relying heavily on Chinese components.
