The Russian arms industry has been thriving despite Western sanctions, thanks to China’s support. China has become a key supplier of materials and machines to the Russian industry, with trade volumes between the two countries reaching $240 billion in 2023, an increase compared to previous years.
China opposes unilateral sanctions and maintains a normal trade relationship with Russia. While China does not provide lethal weapons directly to Russia, they supply dual-use goods that can be used in both civilian and defense industries. These goods include electronics, devices, and building materials that are essential for weapons production in Russia.
Chinese exports to Russia have seen a sharp increase since the conflict in Ukraine began, particularly in machine tools like CNC machines. In March 2023, Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Moscow, and trade between the two countries surged. China’s support has been crucial for Russia as they continue to invest heavily in military spending, allocating around 7.5% of their GDP to the army.
Despite Western sanctions and efforts to limit Russian access to dual-use goods, loopholes still exist, allowing countries like China to supply Russia indirectly. The USA has imposed additional sanctions on companies involved in smuggling goods into Russia, but the support from countries like China continues. While leaders like Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin remain undeterred in their collaboration, concerns about supporting Russia’s war economy continue as international pressure mounts.
The role of external partners in supplying essential goods to Russia remains a topic of concern as the conflict in Ukraine continues. Despite efforts by Western nations to limit Russian access to dual-use goods, loopholes still exist that allow countries like China to supply Russia indirectly through smuggling or other means.
In conclusion, while Western sanctions have had some impact on the Russian arms industry, it remains strong thanks to Chinese support. As tensions continue between Ukraine and Russia and international pressure mounts on countries supplying essential goods to the Russian war economy, it will be interesting to see how this relationship evolves over time.
