China has become an increasingly important trading partner for Russia as it seeks to soften the impact of economic sanctions imposed by some countries in response to its invasion of Ukraine.
The United States now says Beijing is considering supplying weapons and ammunition to Russia, allegations which China strongly denies.
China has been expanding its military production capabilities and is now the world’s fourth-largest arms exporter.
“China’s weapons are getting more advanced now,” says Siemon Wezeman from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.
“Its drones, for example, are one area that Russia would be very interested in.”The US says Chinese firms have already provided “non-lethal support” to Russia, and that it has new information suggesting Beijing could soon provide “lethal support”.
Maria Shagina, an expert in economic sanctions at the International Institute of Strategic Studies, says China has not overtly supplied Russia with weapons but maybe secretly selling it hi-tech products which could be used for military purposes.
“There is evidence that China is the biggest exporter of semiconductors – often through shell companies in Hong Kong and the UAE – to Russia,” she says.
“Some Chinese companies are also supplying civilian drones, exploiting the grey space between military and civilian purposes.”
The US-based Center for Advanced Defense Studies says Chinese companies may be sending Russia electronic parts for anti-aircraft missile radars.
What support is China giving Russia? The US has also imposed sanctions on a Chinese company that Washington says has provided satellite imagery in support of Russian mercenary forces fighting in Ukraine.
