Shipments of military-capable hardware reveal a significant loophole in Western sanctions when dealing with China. Despite China calling for peace, it appears to be supplying Russia with nonlethal but militarily useful equipment, such as bulletproof vests, helmets, drones, and thermal optical sights, which could have a material impact on President Vladimir Putin’s war on Ukraine.

The evidence suggests that China is supporting Russia’s positions in the conflict, and its exports of dual-use products to Russia have been substantial. Chinese customs data confirms the scale of wartime exports to Russia, while imports by Ukraine of similar equipment have decreased significantly.

One company, Shanghai H Win, has experienced a surge in business from Russian customers since the invasion of Ukraine. However, Chinese authorities may use deniability when confronted with evidence of these transactions, making it challenging for Western powers to impose sanctions on China.

Customs records and filings of declarations of conformity reveal evidence of Russian buyers importing Chinese equipment, often through intermediary firms. Some Russian importers, like Silva and Rika, appear to be shell companies set up to conceal their dealings, while others, such as Legittelekom and Pozitron, deny any involvement in military-related trade.

The Chinese firm Beijing KRNatural has also been identified as a supplier to Russian companies, including Pozitron. However, Chinese companies may label their products as civilian-use, even when intended for military purposes, making it harder for Western authorities to take action.

China’s role in supplying military-capable equipment to Russia poses a challenge for Western countries seeking to curb Putin’s war machine. As the conflict continues, authorities will need to find ways to address this loophole and apply effective sanctions against those enabling aggression in Ukraine.

Source: With Agencies