China actively cooperates with Russian defense companies despite sanctions
Earlier, the State Department said that China provides non-lethal military assistance to Russia
Chinese state-owned defense enterprises continued to maintain active trade relations with Russian defense companies even after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, despite Western sanctions.
Source. This was reported by CNN with reference to customs data.
According to these records, at least until mid-November 2022, the Beijing-based defense contractor Poly Technologies sent at least 12 batches of equipment to a Russian company under US sanctions. The deliveries included helicopter spare parts and radio equipment.
The Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant, which produces military helicopters, also supplied Poly Technologies with parts and several helicopters last year.
Most of the helicopter parts shipped to Russia were labeled for use in the Mi-171 helicopter, which is designed for transportation and search and rescue operations. At least three shipments included products for the operation or maintenance of Mi-171Sh military transport helicopters.
Military experts say that the parts supplied by the Chinese company are basic equipment for Russian aircraft. They emphasize that these supplies may be part of existing contracts and standard business relations between companies.
On February 19, U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said that China is providing non-lethal military assistance to Russia and is considering supplying weapons. According to the diplomat, he warned of serious consequences for Beijing if it started supplying arms to Moscow.
Soon after, CNN reported, citing sources, that the Chinese government is considering providing Russia not only with drones, but also with ammunition and small arms for the war with Ukraine.
Der Spiegel previously reported that about a hundred kamikaze drones are to be manufactured and delivered to Russia in early April. The Wall Street Journal also wrote about China's intention to provide military assistance to Russia.
At the same time, China has repeatedly asserted that its country remains neutral and does not sell weapons to conflict zones.
Background. As reported, China's trade with Russia grew at a double-digit rate in January and February.
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