China has been supplying Russia with machine tools, microelectronics, and other technology that Moscow is using to produce missiles, tanks, aircraft, and other weapons for its war against Ukraine, according to a U.S. assessment. Chinese entities have been helping Russia enhance its military capabilities, providing components and materials for weaponry like unmanned aerial vehicles, ammunition, military optics, and engines for cruise missiles. Russia’s reliance on China for technology has been increasing, with a majority of microelectronics and machine tools coming from Chinese imports. The partnership between China and Russia poses a significant threat, with China also helping Russia improve its space-based capabilities for use in Ukraine.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken is planning to raise concerns about China’s indirect support for Russia during his upcoming travels to China and Italy. While China has denied providing direct lethal military support to Russia, it has been backing Russia diplomatically by refraining from calling the conflict in Ukraine an invasion and blaming the West for provoking Russian President Vladimir Putin. China has emphasized that it supports normal trade relations with Russia and has urged the U.S. to refrain from interfering in their relationship. The Biden administration has warned Chinese officials of possible sanctions on Chinese banks, companies, and leadership if they assist Russia’s military efforts in Ukraine.
China’s economic and diplomatic support for Russia has increased as Russia faces growing isolation, making it more reliant on China for trade and cooperation. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has reiterated the U.S. government’s concerns about Chinese firms aiding Russia’s military procurement and emphasized that there will be significant consequences for companies providing material support to Russia’s war efforts. The U.S. has also highlighted intelligence findings showing China’s potential involvement in arming Russia, which has led China to pause direct assistance for now. The U.S. has been monitoring Russia’s operations in Ukraine and its coordination with Iran and North Korea for the supply of weaponry.
In response to the announcement of sanctions against two U.S. defense companies over their support for arms sales to Taiwan, China froze the assets of General Atomics Aeronautical Systems and General Dynamics Land Systems held within China and barred their management from entering the country. This move reflects China’s claims over Taiwan as its own territory and its willingness to take action against perceived threats to its sovereignty. Despite its attempt to build its own aerospace technology industry, China remains reliant on foreign aerospace technology and companies like General Dynamics, which has operations in China and helps produce tanks for Taiwan. General Atomics produces drones used by the U.S. military.
