Russia imports more than 90% of sanctioned technologies via China – Bloomberg

Moscow’s dependence on Beijing in the high-tech sector has grown significantly: while last year about 80% of banned goods passed through China, that figure has now exceeded 90%. This support has enabled Russia to ramp up production of missiles and drones, despite the EU’s efforts to block access to semiconductors and electronics. 

Bloomberg reports this, citing data on sanctions evasion channels.

In addition to technical components, China provides Russia with geospatial intelligence, satellite imagery for military purposes, and drones, while restricting similar supplies to Ukraine. Beijing does not officially recognize international restrictions, calling its cooperation with the aggressor “normal trade relations.” In response to new sanctions against Chinese companies, China is threatening the EU with countermeasures.

Despite the obvious support for the Russian military-industrial complex, most EU countries are currently avoiding the imposition of tough sanctions directly against China. EU leaders fear economic retaliation from Beijing, so they are focusing on tightening controls over supply routes through third countries and Hong Kong. The situation demonstrates that without decisive pressure on Beijing, the effectiveness of Western technology restrictions against Russia will remain in question.

According to Ukrainian intelligence, Russia has spent approximately $130 billion over the past four years to circumvent Western sanctions and purchase banned goods.

During a UN Security Council meeting, Beijing officially expressed its position on the need for a political settlement of the war in Ukraine.