Western officials report that they have received evidence of China's supply of weapons to Russia, which could mean a significant escalation of Beijing's involvement in the war against Ukraine.
Points of attention
- Western officials have received evidence of China supplying weapons to Russia for the war against Ukraine, signaling a potential escalation of Beijing's involvement.
- Reports indicate that a Chinese company sent 'a number of special military drones' to Russia for use in Ukraine, highlighting the extent of Chinese support to Russia.
- Approximately 60% of foreign components in Russian weapons used in the conflict with Ukraine are sourced from China, causing challenges in controlling the supply chain.
- Russian company IEMZ 'Kupol' has confirmed the mass production of drones in China for use in the war against Ukraine, showcasing the collaboration between the two nations in military operations.
- Despite Chinese contributions, key components for surveillance systems, drones, and missiles used in the conflict also come from the USA, the Netherlands, Japan, Switzerland, and other Western countries, according to Ukraine's representative on sanctions policy.
There is evidence of China supplying arms to Russia
The Times writes about this with reference to a Western official.
According to him, the allies received a report indicating that a Chinese company sent to Russia "a number of special military drones" that were used in Ukraine.
The interlocutor did not reveal the name of the company, but noted that the deal took place last year and emphasized that there is now "clear evidence that Chinese companies are supplying Russia with lethal weapons for use in Ukraine."
The official also confirmed the previously disclosed information regarding Russia's creation of a weapons program in China for the development and production of long-range attack UAVs.
The Russian company IEMZ "Kupol" informed the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation that it has established mass production of drones at a factory in China for use in the war against Ukraine.
China supplies 60% of components for Russian weapons
About 60% of the foreign components found in Russian weapons used in the war against Ukraine come from China. This makes it the most difficult country to control.
If you analyze all types of Russian weapons and calculate the share of foreign parts, approximately 60% come from China. We have had long discussions with several manufacturers about this. The biggest problem is the People's Republic of China, said Vladyslav Vlasyuk, the representative of the President of Ukraine on sanctions policy.
Vlasiuk also noted that key parts used in surveillance systems, drones and missiles are supplied from the USA, the Netherlands, Japan, Switzerland and other Western countries.
