China is significantly supporting Russia’s defense industrial base, providing machine tools, drone and turbojet engines, technology for cruise missiles, microelectronics, nitrocellulose, and more. This support has allowed Russia to undertake its most ambitious expansion in military manufacturing since the Soviet era as it continues its war against Ukraine. Chinese and Russian entities are working together to produce drones inside Russia, further aiding Russia’s military capabilities. This support is having a significant impact on Russia’s ability to sustain its assault on Ukraine while Ukraine’s military faces equipment and weapon shortages, exacerbated by US Congress Republicans blocking a new military aid package to Kyiv.
The Biden administration is actively working to persuade China to stop aiding Russia in reconstituting its military industrial base, as the support from China is filling critical gaps in Russia’s defense production cycle. US officials have noted that Russia has largely grown back its military capacity since the invasion of Ukraine, with China being largely responsible for this rapid build-up. China has been supplying Russia with materials for missiles, tanks, aircraft, and artillery rounds, significantly contributing to Russia’s military capabilities. Beyond defense hardware, China is also assisting Russia in improving its satellite and other space-based capabilities for the conflict in Ukraine.
Some of the information about the support from China comes from downgraded US intelligence, as China’s aid is compensating for the setbacks Russia faced early in the Ukraine conflict due to US sanctions and export controls. President Biden raised concerns about China’s support for Russia’s defense industrial base in a phone call with Chinese President Xi Jinping, and Secretary of State Antony Blinken also addressed the issue with US allies during a recent trip to Europe. The US is pushing for China to cease its support practice, which has not yet shown signs of interruption despite diplomatic efforts.
While China has refrained from providing Russia with lethal weaponry, the non-lethal inputs it provides can be just as impactful, according to US officials. It is crucial for the US and its allies to persuade China to stop this practice, although the success of such efforts may be difficult to measure. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen recently issued a warning to China of “significant consequences” if Chinese companies continue to support Russia’s defense industrial base for the Ukraine war. The Biden administration has also taken actions, such as issuing an executive order targeting third-country banks facilitating support to Russia and working with banks globally to avoid inadvertent involvement that could lead to US sanctions.
The deepening China-Russia partnership poses challenges for the US and its allies, as China’s support to Russia’s defense industry complicates efforts to address the conflict in Ukraine. US officials emphasize the importance of persuading China to halt its assistance to Russia, with discussions ongoing between US and Chinese leaders. The impact of China’s support for Russia’s military capabilities has been significant, allowing Russia to maintain its aggression in Ukraine despite facing previous setbacks in its defense industry. The influence of China on Russia’s defense industrial base is a key factor in the ongoing conflict and requires continued attention from the US and its allies.
