Reuters reported that Russia has established a secret weapon project in China to develop and produce attack drones for use in the Ukraine war. Experts analyzed that Xi Jinping and Putin have a common interest in confronting the United States. However, the Chinese Communist Party is pleased to see the United States view Russia as a major enemy, even if it leads to a decline in Russia’s national power, but they do not want it to collapse.
According to Reuters on September 25, based on exclusive information from two sources in a European intelligence agency and reviewed documents, Russia has established a project in China to develop and produce long-range attack drones for the Ukraine war. Additionally, Russian companies have received seven military drones manufactured in China, including two G3 drones.
The White House expressed concern about this on the same day, indicating that the United States is prepared to take immediate action against the Chinese companies mentioned in the report and investigate the banks involved in the transactions.
A spokesperson for the White House National Security Council also stated that Washington will coordinate with European allies on the next steps to be taken.
According to a report by Kyiv Independent on the 26th, a NATO spokesperson replied in an email saying, “These reports are deeply concerning, and the allies are consulting on this matter.”
The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded to Reuters, saying that they were not aware of the project mentioned, but emphasized that China strictly controls the export of drones, or Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs).
Since the Russia-Ukraine war broke out in 2022, drones have played a significant role on the battlefield and have greatly influenced the mode of warfare. Both sides have utilized various drones for reconnaissance and attacks, leading to substantial consumption.
Shen Mingshi, a researcher and director at the Taiwan Institute of National Defense and Security Studies, stated to Epoch Times on September 26 that in the Russia-Ukraine war, more than 10,000 drones are consumed every month. Apart from obtaining them from Iran, China, being a major drone manufacturer, indeed has the possibility of producing them.
He pointed out that the advantage of manufacturing in China is that some military-grade drones do not need to be modified in Russia or on the battlefield. They can be directly deployed for combat, and the Chinese side can also use this trade to acquire more Russian-made weapons and technology. For example, as the Chinese Communist Party prepares to purchase advanced helicopters from Russia, it could become part of the trade deal.
Su Ziyun, the Director of the Strategy and Resources Department at the Taiwan Institute of National Defense and Security Studies, stated in an interview with Epoch Times that both China and Russia are continental powers, warming up to each other, and mutually benefiting in terms of economy, technology, and energy resources. Thus, they have formed a new “Iron Curtain,” albeit in geopolitics, they are in a position more susceptible to encirclement, which in the long run is relatively disadvantageous for both Russia and China.
Recently, the U.S. Department of Commerce led 26 companies to visit Taiwan in search of drone manufacturers that can meet mass production requirements. Su Ziyun believes that this signifies a new area for sanctioning China, aside from high-tech and high-end chip sanctions against the Chinese, potentially including other peripheral communication products. After all, the U.S. has previously sanctioned Hikvision’s surveillance cameras, and drones, considered a serious threat, are now an important project.
Shen Mingshi also stated that if civilian drones are sold or transferred to Russia through other countries, the U.S. has no right to intervene. However, if it is discovered that China has sold active military drones to Russia and utilized them on the Ukrainian battlefield, the U.S. will undoubtedly hold them accountable. Actions such as questioning and sanctioning relevant companies, executives, and funds in high-level meetings, imposing economic sanctions, among others, are possibilities.
Furthermore, Shen Mingshi pointed out that Xi Jinping and Putin have a common interest in confronting the United States. However, the Chinese Communist Party would be happy to see the U.S. treat Russia as a major enemy, even if it leads to a decline in Russia’s national power, but they do not want it to collapse.
As for whether the Chinese Communist Party may directly participate in the Russia-Ukraine war, he believes that China also needs Russia to balance the United States and NATO countries in the Indo-Pacific region. Only at critical junctures, under Putin’s request, would China take action.