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China Fuels Russia’s Drone Surge With $63M in Components, The Telegraph Investigation Finds
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As Russia intensifies its use of suicide drones to attack Ukraine, China has quietly become a key supplier of essential components to Russia’s growing drone arsenal. The investigation, published on September 3 by The Telegraph, reveals that Chinese companies have supplied Russian firms, including those sanctioned for drone production, with at least $63 million worth of parts and materials between 2023 and 2024.
The components include aircraft engines, microchips, carbon fiber, and camera lenses—critical for producing the drones that have been overwhelming Ukraine’s air defenses, The Telegraph writes.
China’s involvement, while officially denying any military support to Russia, underscores a covert military partnership. Ukrainian forces routinely recover Chinese-made parts from downed Russian drones, some with visible Chinese labels.
This covert support reflects China’s strategic interest in maintaining close ties with Russia, especially as both countries face growing pressure from Western sanctions. While Beijing refrains from sending direct military assistance, fearing the geopolitical consequences, it allows Chinese firms to export dual-use goods, fueling Moscow’s war machine, according to an investigation made by Sophia Yan, senior foreign correspondent at The Telegraph.
This support has been crucial as Russia ramps up drone production, with plans to manufacture two million FPV drones, 30,000 long-range and 30,000 decoy drones by the end of this year, The Telegraph stated, citing their sources in Ukrainian Intelligence.
Trade data points to China’s growing role in supplying key drone components. From engines to navigation systems, Chinese firms are pivotal to Russia’s drone manufacturing, particularly at the Alabuga Special Economic Zone, where Russian drones like the Garpiya are produced, The Telegraph reported.
Reports suggest that Russia’s domestic drone production, including models used in Ukraine, has surged, with more than 2,000 Garpiya drones produced in early 2024.
Despite its claims of neutrality, China’s actions speak volumes. Its assistance to Russia through indirect channels—including the export of vital drone components—raises questions about the extent of its involvement, The Telegraph stressed.
Experts and soldiers note that the flow of materials from China to Russia continues, with components often smuggled through third countries to evade sanctions.
China’s stance is rooted in its strategic alliance with Russia. At a time when the West has isolated Moscow, Beijing has stepped in to fill the trade void, providing everything from oil to advanced technology. In return, Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine fits China’s geopolitical interests, allowing the country to challenge the West’s influence globally while strengthening ties with Russia.
While Beijing benefits from global stability, analysts say it would prioritize strategic interests over diplomatic principles, according to The Telegraph.
“Beijing simply cannot abandon Putin,” says Andrea Ghiselli, a China policy expert. This partnership, despite the risk of secondary sanctions, continues to thrive as both nations grow closer, as evidenced by joint military exercises and frequent high-level meetings between Russian leader Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Previously, Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin, and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un appeared together in Beijing during a large military parade marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.
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