In a recent assessment by the United States government, it has been revealed that China has significantly increased its sales of machine tools, microelectronics, and other technology to Russia. These materials are being used by Moscow to manufacture missiles, tanks, aircraft, and other weaponry for its ongoing conflict with Ukraine.

According to two senior Biden administration officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, approximately 90% of Russia's microelectronics in 2023 came from China. This has enabled Russia to produce military equipment, including missiles, tanks, and aircraft. Moreover, China supplied nearly 70% of Russia's $900 million worth of machine tool imports in the last quarter of 2023.

The collaboration between Chinese and Russian entities goes beyond sales and imports. The two countries have been working together to jointly produce unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) within Russia's borders. Chinese companies are also believed to be providing Russia with nitrocellulose, a key component used in ammunition manufacturing. Entities such as Wuhan Global Sensor Technology Co., Wuhan Tongsheng Technology Co. Ltd., and Hikvision are currently supplying optical components for Russian tanks and armored vehicles.

Furthermore, Russia has received military optics for its tanks and armored vehicles from Chinese firms, including iRay Technology and North China Research Institute of Electro-Optics. China has also been assisting Russia by providing UAV engines and turbojet engines for cruise missiles.

The U.S. assessment also reveals a significant increase in Russia's semiconductor imports from China, rising from $200 million in 2021 to over $500 million in 2022, as reported by Russian customs data analyzed by the Free Russia Foundation.

The closer collaboration between China and Russia extends into the realm of space technology. China is working with Russia to enhance its satellite and other space-based capabilities, which could potentially pose a greater threat across Europe in the future.

These revelations regarding China's indirect support for Russia's war efforts have raised concerns within the international community. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is expected to travel to China this month for talks, where he is likely to address these concerns. President Joe Biden has previously expressed his concerns directly to Chinese President Xi Jinping about Beijing's indirect support for Russia.

While China has denied providing direct lethal military support, it has diplomatically backed Russia and refrained from calling it an invasion, placing blame on the West. China's economic connections with Russia, along with other countries like India, have remained strong amidst sanctions imposed by Washington and its allies.

The United States, however, has made it clear that it will not tolerate companies or banks that assist Russia's military efforts. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has already warned Chinese officials that the Biden administration is prepared to impose sanctions on Chinese banks, companies, and Beijing's leadership if they provide any form of material support to Russia's war.

Russia's growing reliance on China due to its increasing economic and diplomatic isolation has made it more vulnerable to Chinese influence. The U.S. government continues to monitor the situation closely and has downgraded and revealed intelligence findings related to Russia's plans and operations during the ongoing conflict with Ukraine.