China is assisting Russia in ramping up its defense industrial base on a large scale, leading to an ambitious expansion in military manufacturing for Moscow. This support from China includes providing machine tools, drone and turbojet engines, technology for cruise missiles, microelectronics, and nitrocellulose used to make propellant for weapons. Chinese and Russian entities are also working together to produce drones in Russia. This support from China is having a significant impact on Russia’s ability to continue its assault on Ukraine, as Ukraine’s military struggles with equipment and weapon shortages. The US Congress is also facing challenges in passing a new military aid package for Kyiv, which is exacerbating the situation.
One senior US administration official stated that persuading China to stop helping Russia reconstitute its military industrial base could be a game-changing move to support Ukraine. The official noted that Chinese materials are filling critical gaps in Russia’s defense production cycle, allowing Russia to sustain its war effort. Gen. Chris Cavoli of US European Command also acknowledged that Russia has successfully reconstituted its military since invading Ukraine, with China playing a significant role in this rapid build-up. The deepening partnership between China and Russia is evident in Russia’s increased imports of microelectronics from China, used in producing missiles, tanks, and aircraft.
China is also helping Russia improve its satellite and space-based capabilities, providing imagery and support for Russia’s war on Ukraine. This support is compensating for setbacks Russia’s defense industry faced early in the Ukraine war due to US sanctions and export controls. President Biden raised concerns about China’s support for Russia’s defense industrial base in a phone call with Chinese President Xi Jinping, following multiple US officials raising these concerns with their Chinese counterparts. Additionally, Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed the issue with US allies during his recent Europe trip.
While China is avoiding providing Russia with lethal weaponry, the inputs it is providing are equally impactful. US officials emphasize the importance of persuading China to stop this practice, though measuring success may be challenging. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen warned China of “significant consequences” if Chinese companies continue to support Russia in the Ukraine war during her trip to the country. The Biden administration issued an executive order targeting third-country banks that facilitate support to the Russian defense industrial base, working with banks globally to build compliance systems and avoid inadvertently being caught up in this trade that could lead to US sanctions.
