China's Alleged Supply of Military Technology to Russia Amidst Western Sanctions

 

photo:foreignpolicy.com

WASHINGTON - An unclassified U.S. intelligence report released on Thursday claims that China is aiding Russia in circumventing Western sanctions and likely providing military and dual-use technology for use in Ukraine. The assessment, published by the U.S. House of Representatives Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, highlights concerns over China's involvement in the ongoing conflict.

 

Since Moscow's all-out invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, China has consistently denied any involvement in supplying military equipment to Russia. However, the report by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) suggests otherwise.

 

According to the ODNI report, "The PRC is providing some dual-use technology that Moscow's military uses to continue the war in Ukraine, despite an international cordon of sanctions and export controls." The report points to customs records showing state-owned Chinese defense companies shipping navigation equipment, jamming technology, and fighter jet parts to Russian government-owned defense entities that are already under sanctions.

 

The relationship between China and Russia has strengthened in the wake of the Ukraine invasion. Both countries have increased the share of bilateral trade settled in China's yuan currency, and their financial institutions are expanding their use of domestic payment systems. China has also seen a rise in its importation of Russian energy exports, including oil and gas rerouted from Europe.

 

The ODNI report acknowledges that much of the information presented is based on media reports. However, it also highlights that the Intelligence Community lacks sufficient reporting to fully assess whether China is intentionally obstructing U.S. Government export control end-use checks, including interviews and investigations, within its borders.

 

While the evidence of China's alleged military technology supply to Russia is not yet definitive, concerns have been raised by other international leaders. Earlier this month, French President Emmanuel Macron's top diplomatic adviser, Emmanuel Bonne, raised similar concerns, although he stated that the scale of such deliveries was not massive.

 

U.S. officials have previously expressed worries about transfers of "dual-use equipment" from China to Russia. However, they have yet to find concrete evidence of lethal assistance being provided to Russia for use on the battlefield.

 

As the situation continues to unfold, global attention remains on China's involvement and its potential implications for regional and international security dynamics. The ODNI report underscores the need for continued monitoring and vigilance in the face of evolving geopolitical challenges.

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