China’s decision to support Russia in its war against Ukraine by providing military equipment could have significant implications for global tensions, according to anonymous U.S. officials who spoke to news outlets. China has been supplying Russia with various mechanical parts used to build drones, cruise missiles, and optical components for tanks and armored vehicles. This support comes as Russia’s conflict in Ukraine enters its third year, and it has raised concerns in Washington as tensions with both Moscow and Beijing continue to escalate.
Officials are urging Chinese companies to halt their sales to Russia and calling on Western allies to pressure China to cut off its support. The sales are reportedly being funneled through a group of Chinese companies including Hikvision, Wuhan Global Sensor Technology, and Wuhan Tongsheng Technology. The officials also revealed that approximately 90% of Russia’s microelectronics came from China last year, with these components also being used in aircraft. Additionally, China and Russia have been collaborating on the production of aerial vehicles in Russia, using Chinese-produced nitrocellulose.
Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has warned that Chinese companies and firms supporting Russia’s war efforts could face sanctions from the U.S. The Biden Administration is concerned about the role of Chinese firms in Russia’s military procurement and has stated that these companies will face significant consequences if they continue to support Russia in its conflict with Ukraine. This aligns with previous concerns raised by U.S. officials regarding Chinese support for Russia following the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
The Biden Administration’s warnings echo similar concerns that have been raised since the beginning of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. A report from the Wall Street Journal revealed that Chinese state-owned defense companies had provided navigation equipment and other components for fighter jets to Russian defense companies. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken had also warned that China might be considering providing “lethal support” to Russia. Despite these concerns, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has stated that Russia possesses enough technical capability for the conflict, while Chinese officials have refuted claims of providing “lethal” support. The strengthening partnership between China and Russia has further escalated tensions between the U.S. and Beijing.
China’s public claim of neutrality in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine has been increasingly rejected by U.S. officials. While Western countries have imposed economic sanctions on Russia and provided military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine, China had remained neutral, refusing to issue sanctions on Russia or provide aid to Ukraine. Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to Moscow for peace talks between Russia and Ukraine aimed to prevent Russia from resorting to nuclear weapons in the conflict. Putin had previously suspended Russia’s participation in a major nuclear arms agreement with the U.S., which raised concerns of a potential humanitarian catastrophe. Despite acknowledging China’s concerns about the war, Putin emphasized that Russia had enough technical capabilities to handle the conflict.
Overall, China’s support for Russia in its war against Ukraine through the supply of military equipment could have significant implications for global geopolitics. The U.S. has expressed concerns over Chinese firms’ involvement in Russia’s military procurement and has warned of potential consequences for those supporting Russia’s war efforts. As tensions between the U.S. and both Moscow and Beijing continue to escalate, the situation remains a top concern for policymakers and international relations experts.
