China secretly provides Russia with military equipment that it uses in its war against Ukraine. In particular, it includes bulletproof vests, thermal imaging scopes and drones.

This was reported by Politico. At the same time, it is noted that imports of Chinese goods to Ukraine have fallen sharply.

According to the authors of the article, in 2023 alone, Russia purchased more than $100 million worth of drones from China. This exceeds similar purchases by Ukraine by 30 times.

In addition, Russian imports of Chinese ceramics used in body armour increased by 69%. Its exports to Ukraine decreased by 61%.

In addition, it is noted that there is a flow of technologies through China that may

• contain components made in the West;
• have direct military application.

"According to experts on sanctions and defence, it is common practice to label dual-use goods as intended for civilian purposes. In fact, they are intended for use on the battlefield," the article says.

China strikes back at sanctions against Russia

The current situation, analysts say, clearly demonstrates the imperfection of the West's sanctions regime against Russia. The West itself, by the way, contributes to this situation by its uncertainty about the dual-use status of Russia.

"This, combined with the fact that much of this equipment is manufactured in China, makes the mere possibility of taking meaningful anti-Russian measures unattainable. At least for the time being," they state.

Another problem, it is emphasised, is that "the West can do little to force Beijing to stop the flow of dual-use goods to Russia". After all:

• only the US has a real opportunity to "impose a direct ban on dollar-denominated transactions";
• the EU does not have such a strong sanction weapon because "the euro is much less common in global markets".

In addition, the EU, it is noted, does not dare to act from a position of strength. In particular, although it included 7 Chinese companies in the latest sanctions package, "after lobbying by Beijing, Brussels removed 4 firms from the list".

As reported by OBOZREVATEL, China has meanwhile called for the resumption of the grain deal. Moreover, it believes that grain exports should also come from Russia, which no one has prevented.

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