After the start of the war in Ukraine, Chinese state-owned defense companies continued to maintain active business relations with Russian defense companies that fell under Western sanctions. This is reported CNN television channel, which became familiar with customs records.
Until at least mid-November 2022, Beijing-based defense contractor Poly Technologies has shipped at least a dozen shipments of equipment to the Russian company, which is under US sanctions, according to reports. archives. Deliveries included, among other things, spare parts for helicopters and radio equipment.
Ulan-Ude Aviation Factory, which manufactures military helicopters, also delivered parts and several helicopters to Poly Technologies last year.
Most of the helicopter parts supplied to Russia were marked for use in the Mi-171 helicopter, which is designed for transport and search and rescue operations. At least three deliveries included products for the operation or maintenance of Mi-171Sh military transport helicopters.
At the same time, as CNN notes, there is no evidence that the goods supplied by China are directly used by the Russian military in the war in Ukraine.
Military and security experts say the parts supplied by the Chinese company are basic equipment for Russian aircraft. They note that these deliveries can be part of existing contracts and standard business-to-business relationships.
On February 19, US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said China was providing non-lethal military assistance to Russia and was also considering the possibility of supplying weapons. According to the diplomat, he warned of serious consequences for Beijing in the event of the start of arms supply to Moscow, the head of the office of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, Wang Yi.
Shortly after, CNN, citing sources, reported that the Chinese government was considering supplying Russia with not only drones, but also ammunition and small arms for the war with Ukraine. Der Spiegel previously reported that around 100 suicide drones are expected to be produced and transferred to Russia in early April. About China’s intention to provide military assistance to Russia wrote and the American edition of the Wall Street Journal.
China has repeatedly declared that it is neutral and does not sell arms to conflict zones. At the same time, the United States fears that Beijing is seriously considering the possibility of military support for Moscow.
