China is helping Russia achieve the largest military-industrial expansion in the post-Soviet era, – Reuters

Photo: Chinese exposition at the international forum “Army 2023”

China is supporting Russia's military operations against Ukraine, helping Moscow with its biggest military buildup since Soviet times and, in particular, providing missile and drone technology, satellite imagery and equipment.

It said on Friday, April 12, senior US officials, reports Reuters.

The Chinese Embassy in the United States says China has not supplied weapons to any party and “is not a manufacturer or party involved in the Ukrainian crisis.” ;.

The officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said President Joe Biden raised the issue with Chinese President Xi Jinping during their recent phone call.

They also noted that the issue has been the subject of discussion with US allies in Europe and beyond.

According to one official, Chinese materials are filling critical gaps in Russia's defense production cycle and helping Moscow pursue “its most ambitious defense expansion since Soviet times, (and) more shorter time frame than we thought possible at the beginning of this conflict.”

"We believe that one of the most important steps we can take at this time to support Ukraine, – this is to convince the PRC to stop helping Russia restore its military-industrial base. It will be difficult for Russia to maintain its military efforts without the participation of the PRC" – he said.

A Chinese embassy spokesman told Reuters that normal trade between China and Russia should not be subject to interference or restrictions.

Some of the information presented by American officials at the briefing for journalists was based on declassified intelligence. They described various ways in which China is helping Russia in its war against Ukraine, but avoiding direct arms supplies to Moscow.

For example, the Chinese firm Dalian Machine Tool Group is supplying Russia with equipment to increase production of ballistic missiles, they said they, adding that in 2023, 90% of Russian microelectronics imports came from China.

Chinese companies such as Wuhan Global Sensor Technology Co, Wuhan Tongsheng Technology Co Ltd and Hikvision supply Chinese optical components for use in Russian tanks and armored vehicles.

They also reported that China supplies Russia with engines for drones and turbojet engines for cruise missiles, and that Chinese and Russian companies are working to jointly produce drones in Russia.

Prepared by: Sergey Daga