US intelligence has revealed a significant surge in China's equipment sales to Russia, particularly crucial technologies utilized for the production of military hardware.
According to senior officials within the Biden administration, who anonymously shared the assessment on Friday, China has substantially increased its exports of machine tools, microelectronics, and other critical technologies to Russia.
China is Reportedly Increasing its Exports to Russia
Moscow is reportedly utilizing these materials to manufacture a wide array of weaponry, including missiles, tanks, aircraft, and other military equipment, for deployment in the conflict with Ukraine.
In 2023, the officials said that around 90% of Russia's microelectronics were sourced from China, according to an AP report.
Moreover, nearly 70% of Russia's machine tool imports, amounting to approximately $900 million in the last quarter of 2023, originated from China.
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China-Russia Collaboration on UAVs
According to the officials, Chinese and Russian entities have been collaborating on the production of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) within Russia, with Chinese companies likely providing nitrocellulose for ammunition manufacturing.
They also claimed that Chinese firms such as Wuhan Global Sensor Technology Co., Wuhan Tongsheng Technology Co. Ltd., and Hikvision have supplied optical components for Russian tanks and armored vehicles.
These revelations come at a critical juncture as Secretary of State Antony Blinken is set to discuss with Chinese officials, where concerns over China's indirect support for Russia are expected to feature prominently.
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