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China Faces EU Sanctions Over Secret Drone Shipments to Russia’s Military
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![Photo of Vlad Litnarovych]( "Photo of Vlad Litnarovych")
The European Union is preparing to push for sanctions against China over Beijing’s covert support for Russia’s war against Ukraine, an EU diplomat told Politico on August 4.
The move follows a July investigation by Reuters that revealed Chinese-made drone engines had been secretly funneled to Russia through front companies. The shipments were falsely declared as “industrial refrigeration units” to evade Western sanctions.
The exposé has triggered alarm across European capitals. According to the diplomat, fifteen EU member states have already confronted Beijing about the shipments, but China has either denied involvement or refused to respond.
“The report is accurate and it shows China is escalating its role, both quantitatively and qualitatively,” the diplomat said. “It’s fair to say that without Chinese support, the war would look very different right now.”
The EU has reportedly been aware of China’s drone transfers to Russia even before the media investigation surfaced. According to the diplomat, sanctions will be on the table after August.
“After August, we’ll push for sanctions,” the official confirmed, adding that the bloc should not underestimate its economic leverage. “We want dialogue, but also action.”
The looming measures signal growing frustration within the EU over Beijing’s alignment with Moscow and its apparent role in undermining international sanctions regimes.
Earlier, reports emerged that China is accelerating efforts to develop capabilities to neutralize the Starlink satellite constellation, citing national security concerns over its growing use in modern warfare.
