A Chinese government trade body has solicited drone detectors and jammers for potential Russian buyers, raising concerns about the possibility of Beijing supplying dual-use technology to Moscow. The procurement notice was posted on the WeChat account of the Guangdong Provincial Association for Promotion of Trade with Russia, with buyers seeking UAV equipment, interference generators, drone detectors, drone suppressors, and communication band jammers. The association, overseen by the province’s Commerce Department, has since removed the document, but it still exists on another government body’s account.
One of the drone detectors mentioned in the procurement notice was the Bulat drone detector, developed by 3MX, a Russian company known for its use by the Russian army during the invasion of Ukraine. The notice was also posted by the Yunfu City’s Association for the Promotion of International Trade, further raising concerns about potential dual-use technology being provided to Russian customers. Western governments have pressured China to ensure that military-related dual-use products are not ending up in Russia’s defense sector or Ukraine’s battlefield.
Despite facing accusations of covertly supporting Moscow’s war efforts, China maintains neutrality in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. China has tightened its strategic and diplomatic partnership with Russia since the invasion of Ukraine, becoming a key economic and diplomatic supporter for Moscow. While denying any direct provision of weapons to either side, China claims to strictly control the export of dual-use items. The Guangdong association denied that the procurement notice was intended for Russian customers, stating that it was removed because it was inappropriate.
China has deepened its ties with Russia in recent months, providing vital economic and diplomatic support to the country. Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Beijing last month and praised the close relations between the two countries. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed concerns about China’s support to Russia prolonging the war in Ukraine, echoing similar sentiments from the US and European leaders. Despite concerns about Chinese support for Russia’s war efforts, experts believe Beijing will maintain a cautious approach to avoid direct involvement in the conflict.
The US has warned of potential actions against Chinese firms and financial institutions for their alleged support of Russia’s war efforts. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that sanctions have already been imposed on over 100 Chinese entities and individuals for allegedly aiding Russia in the conflict. China walks a fine line between adhering to US requests and its foreign policy principles of not selling weapons or engaging in foreign military interference. While Beijing claims to prevent the sale of military materials to Russia, experts acknowledge that some items may still make their way through the system.
