It is noted that after the start of a full-scale invasion, the Russian Federation and China did not suspend “quiet cooperation” in the military sphere. Over the past year, China has sold more than $12 million worth of drones and drone parts to Russia, according to official Russian customs figures.
The publication notes that it is not known whether the Chinese drones transferred to the Russian Federation contain American technology.
Russia received more drones from Chinese DJI. The company is one of the most famous drone manufacturers in the world. The company’s products came to the Russian Federation through small intermediaries and exporters.
Official sales are likely only part of a larger flow of technology through unofficial channels and other Russian-friendly countries such as Kazakhstan, Pakistan and Belarus.
The NYT recalled that the United States imposed sanctions against Chinese companies that supply drones to Russia or bypass export controls. However, efforts to isolate Russia from technology are being complicated by China’s dominance in the global electronics supply chain, according to the publication.
For a total of almost $2 million, the last batch was shipped in February 2023.
