NATO officials have revealed that China plays a central role in keeping Russia’s defense industry operational. According to a senior NATO official, roughly 80% of the critical electronic components used in Russian drones and other modern military equipment are made in China. These components are essential for producing high-tech weapons that Moscow relies on in its ongoing conflict in Ukraine, providing significant drone support.
China’s Critical Role in Russia’s Drone Support
Since 2023, Russia has purchased over $20 billion worth of production tools, components, and other consumables from China. NATO officials emphasize that these shipments have significantly strengthened Russia’s ability to produce tanks, armored vehicles, and missiles. These facts show how Beijing’s support, especially in drone support, is shaping Russia’s military capabilities.
The official highlighted that China’s involvement is multi-layered. It is not limited to direct sales of electronic parts. Chinese subsidiaries of Western firms have also produced components that end up in Russian weapons. In addition, re-exports routed through third countries have allowed Russia to bypass international sanctions. These mechanisms help Moscow scale up production, despite global restrictions and supply-chain obstacles, enhancing its drone support capabilities.
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Exports of Key Components Boost Drone Support
Trade data reveal that Chinese factories have sharply increased exports of materials critical to Russian military technology. Fiber-optic cables and lithium-ion batteries are key to Russia’s drone operations, which now dominate the battlefield in Ukraine. NATO officials reported that exports of fiber-optic cable from China to Russia surged nearly tenfold in August alone, reaching around 325,000 miles.
These materials are vital for “wired” drones, which rely on advanced electronics to operate. The sharp increase in exports indicates that China is indirectly providing extensive drone support, allowing Russia to maintain and expand its drone fleet. Experts say that the availability of these components allows Russia to continue using drones as a major part of its military strategy, despite sanctions aimed at limiting such capabilities.
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China’s contributions also extend to the provision of production tools. These tools help Russia manufacture tanks, missiles, and other sophisticated systems more efficiently. NATO officials have stressed that the combination of components, tools, and technical support has materially enhanced Russia’s drone support and overall defense production capacity.
Cyber and Information Support
Beyond physical supplies, NATO has raised concerns about China’s role in non-kinetic support for Russia. Beijing has conducted disinformation campaigns and cyber operations targeting NATO members. These actions support Russian objectives, including drone support, by influencing public opinion, political processes, and digital systems in allied countries.
The NATO official stated, “We have observed hostile information manipulation and political interference, including cyber attacks against allies originating in China and executed in support of Russian objectives.” These operations are part of a broader strategy that allows Russia to benefit from China’s technical, cyber, and drone support while continuing its military operations in Ukraine.
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As NATO increasingly views China as a strategic challenge, Beijing’s role on the alliance’s agenda has grown. The organization now treats Chinese support to Russia as a decisive factor in the conflict, noting that both material and non-material assistance directly affects Russia’s drone support and military capabilities.
This revelation comes amid Beijing’s continued claims of neutrality in the conflict. Despite these claims, the surge in exports of key components and tools suggests a substantial, ongoing role in enabling Russia’s drone support and other military production. NATO officials argue that this relationship allows Moscow to sustain and expand its drone operations and other modern weapon systems.
