The European Union is considering sanctions against China for allegedly providing military parts to Russia that breached the existing anti-Russian sanctions. As previously reported by Reuters in July, Chinese drone engines were ostensibly exported to Russia through front companies, falsely labelled as refrigeration units. EU diplomatic sources said they knew such transfers were taking place but would act post-August. Brussels has asked Beijing for explanations, but China has denied or otherwise remained silent on the allegations.
Ukrainian officials say about 60 per cent of the foreign parts in Russian weapons it seized originated from China. Chinese technology companies, including Baidu, are also proceeding with expansion in Europe despite impending sanctions, and Chinese electric vehicles still have a strong presence in the EU market. The EU sees this as escalation of China’s involvement in the Ukraine war and is weighing the somewhat significant economic leverage amid growing pressure for stronger accountability; and humidity, in terms of strategic deterrent.
