China’s involvement in Russia’s military buildup during the Ukraine conflict has drawn attention from senior U.S. officials. They disclosed that China is supplying Moscow with drone technology, missile technology, satellite imagery, and machine tools, marking its most significant military support since the Soviet era.
Despite the Chinese Embassy in the U.S. denying weapon provision and disassociating from the Ukraine crisis, President Joe Biden raised concerns with President Xi Jinping during a recent phone call.
U.S. officials, speaking anonymously, highlighted China’s significant role in filling gaps in Russia’s defense production and accelerating its military expansion.
They underscored the potential impact of persuading China to cease its support, asserting it could hinder Russia’s war effort significantly.
China rebuffed claims of interference in normal trade with Russia and urged the U.S. to refrain from disparaging their bilateral relationship.
The officials’ revelations were based on declassified intelligence, outlining various ways China aids Russia’s war effort without supplying lethal assistance.
President Biden has been pressuring the U.S. House of Representatives to approve increased funding for providing weapons to Ukraine, while the U.S. and its allies are more assertive in confronting Chinese aggression in regions like the South China Sea and towards Taiwan.
China’s support extends to machine tool imports, boosting Russia’s ballistic missile production and microelectronics for weaponry.
Chinese companies such as Wuhan Global Sensor Technology Co and Hikvision provide optical components for Russian military systems.
China assists in drone and turbojet engine production, propellant manufacturing, and satellite technology enhancement.
