EU Holds Talks On China's Support For Russia, Including Possible Weapons Transfers

"Foreign ministers from the bloc's 27 members will meet on December 15 for talks to discuss China's deepening ties with Russia, with an EU diplomat saying that Brussels sees "Chinese support increasing." "What we are seeing is that without China's support for Russia in this war, Russia probably would not be able to do what it's doing," an EU diplomat told RFE/RL, speaking on condition of anonymity in order to discuss sensitive issues."

"A separate EU diplomat added that the meeting will focus on recent information of potential Chinese weapons deliveries to Russia that are being used in Ukraine, which, if confirmed, would mark a new level of support from Beijing beyond the steady supply of dual-use goods with civilian and military applications that have boosted the Kremlin's war effort since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022."

"The official did not comment on what types of Chinese weaponry or equipment could be deployed in Ukraine. Chinese parts have been a key component of Russia's drone industry, which forms a vital part of the broader war effort in Ukraine -- from surveillance to kamikaze attacks -- and Ukrainian intelligence said in October that China was passing on satellite intelligence to Russia on targets in Ukraine."

European Union foreign ministers will meet on December 15 to assess China's expanding support for Russia and evaluate evidence that China may be supplying weapons used in Ukraine. EU diplomats say Chinese assistance has become increasingly important to Russia's war effort and that without it Russia likely could not sustain current operations. Officials are examining reports of potential direct weapons deliveries in addition to continued exports of dual-use goods that aid military systems. Chinese components have underpinned Russia's drone capabilities, and Ukrainian intelligence has reported China sharing satellite intelligence with Russia. Beijing maintains it is neutral while deepening political and economic ties with Moscow, including robust energy and trade links.

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