Russia obtains around 90% of its sanctioned technologies from China
According to sources familiar with the situation, the proportion of sanctioned technologies that Russia obtains via China has risen from around 80 per cent last year to over 90 per cent today. This comes against a backdrop of tighter controls by the European Union on supply channels for restricted goods, reports Bloomberg.
These are technologies necessary for the production and use of weapons, including semiconductors, integrated circuits, electronics and industrial equipment. As a result, Russia has been able to ramp up production of various types of weapons, including missiles and drones.
The European Union has imposed sanctions aimed at restricting Russia’s access to such technologies. Companies from various countries, notably China and Hong Kong, have also been subject to restrictions, as the EU alleges they may have been helping to circumvent the sanctions.
Despite this, China continues to supply resources that are vital to the Russian defence industry. It was previously reported that Beijing had also provided Russia with geospatial intelligence, satellite imagery for military purposes and drones, whilst reducing similar supplies to Ukraine and other countries.
Sources note that most EU countries are refraining from imposing tougher sanctions against China due to fears of retaliatory measures from Beijing.
China does not recognise international sanctions and maintains that it has normal trade relations with Russia. Earlier this month, Beijing announced its intention to take necessary measures after the European Union included several Chinese companies in a new sanctions package.
