Senior Biden administration officials have revealed that China’s extensive support is facilitating Russia’s substantial expansion of its defense industrial base, marking its most ambitious military manufacturing expansion since the Soviet era amid the ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
According to these officials, China is providing significant quantities of machine tools, drone and turbojet engines, as well as technology for cruise missiles, microelectronics, and nitrocellulose, which is vital for propellant production. Additionally, Chinese and Russian entities are collaborating on drone production within Russia.
This support from China significantly bolsters Russia’s military capabilities, enabling it to sustain its assault on Ukraine. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s military struggles with equipment and weapon shortages, exacerbated by Republican obstruction in the US Congress, delaying a vote on a new military aid package to Kyiv.
A senior administration official emphasized the importance of persuading China to cease its support for Russia’s military industrial base, highlighting the crucial role Chinese materials play in filling critical gaps in Russia’s defense production cycle.
US officials attribute Russia’s rapid military buildup, highlighted by Gen. Chris Cavoli, commander of US European Command, to China’s substantial contributions. Notably, 90% of Russia’s microelectronics imports in 2023 originated from China, fueling production of missiles, tanks, and aircraft.
China’s assistance extends beyond hardware, including support for Russia’s satellite and space-based capabilities for use in Ukraine, with some information sourced from downgraded US intelligence.
Despite President Biden and Secretary of State Blinken raising concerns with Chinese counterparts, there has been no interruption in Chinese support following Biden’s recent phone call with Chinese President Xi Jinping. While China refrains from providing lethal weaponry to Russia, its contributions are deemed equally impactful.
US officials stress the urgency of persuading China to cease its support, acknowledging the difficulty in measuring success. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen warned China of “significant consequences” for supporting Russia during her recent trip, with the Biden administration issuing an executive order targeting third-country banks facilitating such support. The US is actively engaging with banks globally to prevent inadvertent involvement in this trade, which could result in US sanctions.
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