According to Bloomberg agency, the situation with the supply of unmanned systems from China to Europe and Russia is escalating into a complex issue and raising significant concerns within the international community
While Europe reports a reduction in the supply of key components for drones to Western buyers, China is actively supporting the Russian market by supplying products and technologies that are strategically important for military and defense tasks. In particular, there have been reports in European and American circles that Beijing has reduced exports of certain dual-use goods — notably magnets and other parts for drone engines that were previously widely used in drone manufacturing. Such measures raise suspicions that China is deliberately cutting back supplies of these components to Western countries while increasing their presence in the Russian market. Sources inform that Chinese manufacturers are restricting exports, creating a trend of decreasing Western dependence on Chinese technologies in this sector. The Chinese government, in response to these accusations, emphasizes that it controls the export of dual-use goods and strictly adheres to international rules and agreements. A statement issued by the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs highlights that China consistently follows a policy of non-aggression and promotes peace. It is stressed that the country does not supply lethal weapons, and all dual-use items are controlled according to legal requirements. Beijing is also attempting to dismiss any political interpretations of its supplies, calling them “groundless accusations” and politically motivated speculation. Meanwhile, in Europe and the US, there is an assertion that China is actively expanding its military and defense capabilities by supplying Russia with technologies and components necessary for manufacturing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). According to sources, last year Chinese and Russian companies reported joint projects, including the development of strike drones, which are of significant importance to the prospects of the conflict in eastern Ukraine. This has prompted Western responses in the form of sanctions against several Chinese enterprises that, according to diplomatic sources, assist Moscow in UAV production as well as in supplying critical technologies and components. Overall, this dynamic indicates that China, striving to maintain balance in its foreign policy, is simultaneously contributing to the strengthening of Russia’s defense potential and actively increasing its presence in this market. This raises concerns among the global community, as expanding the supply of technologies that can be used for military purposes complicates international efforts to resolve conflicts and maintain stability. Thus, the situation with drone supplies from China remains tense and multifaceted. Export restriction measures implemented by Western countries, along with the desperate refusal of the official Beijing to label its policies as illegal or untrustworthy, reflect the complexity of balancing economic interests and international security. Given the current trend, it can be expected that the issues of controlling and regulating Chinese technologies in this sector will remain a key topic in international discussions in the near future.