Amidst the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, the US is cautioning its allies about China sharing geospatial intelligence to aid Russia in its military operations against Ukraine. Sources familiar with the matter told Bloomberg that China has been supplying Russia with satellite imagery, microelectronics, machine tools for tanks, optics, propellants for missiles, and enhancing space cooperation.
Xi-Biden Talks
This development comes at the heels of US President Joe Biden conveying his concerns to his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping during a recent call, specifically addressing China’s assistance to the Russian defence industry, encompassing machine tools, optics, nitrocellulose, microelectronics, and turbojet engines, according to Adrienne Watson, spokesperson for the White House National Security Council.
However, China’s foreign ministry has yet to respond to inquiries regarding this matter.
China-Russia Ties
Despite its attempts to maintain a neutral stance in the conflict, China has forged a strong alliance with Russia, emphasised by Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin’s declaration of an all-encompassing friendship ahead of the 2022 Winter Olympic Games in Beijing.
US vs China readouts: Joe Biden’s Call with President Xi Jinping of the People’s Republic of China pic.twitter.com/svSnvNqznM
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Trade between the two nations surged to a record $240 billion in 2023, with China emerging as a major supplier to Russia following Western manufacturers’ departure due to sanctions. Additionally, China and Hong Kong have become pivotal conduits for Moscow to obtain restricted technologies, crucial for military purposes, including chips and integrated circuits.
US Sanctions
The Biden Administration has sanctioned Chinese entities for facilitating such transfers, underscoring its efforts to curb China’s support for Russia.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken briefed European allies on the extent of China’s assistance and urged them to address the issue directly with China while considering actions against Chinese entities. Similarly, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has warned of significant repercussions for companies, including those in China, found to support Russian military endeavours.
However, there is no evidence to suggest that China has contravened this warning thus far.
As Ukraine faces an acute shortage of artillery and struggles with resupply efforts, Russia has bolstered its domestic arms production and continues to import crucial components through third-party networks, along with receiving weaponry from countries like North Korea and Iran.