by Richard Sanders, Staff Writer
EU foreign ministers are set to discuss intelligence reports during a meeting in Brussels on Monday, as several of the 27 member states advocate for significant repercussions in response to what appears to be a notable increase in China’s support for Russia’s military efforts. While it remains uncertain whether this activity has received official approval from Beijing, multiple sources indicate that it would be challenging to conduct such operations without the central government’s consent.
A senior EU official noted, “We have intelligence reports indicating a factory in China that produces drones for Russia, which are utilized in the Ukraine conflict, but we lack further details.” Several EU diplomats, speaking anonymously, described the evidence as “conclusive,” “credible,” and “convincing,” asserting that China should face serious consequences.
However, the senior EU official emphasized that three critical points must be verified before any decisions are made. First, it is essential to confirm whether the factory is indeed producing drones for Russia. Second, it must be established whether these drones have been shipped. Third, it is necessary to assess the level of awareness among Chinese authorities.
“It’s hard to believe this is happening without the knowledge of the Chinese authorities, and we are addressing this question directly with them,” the official stated, mentioning that discussions have already occurred with the Chinese ambassador to the EU.
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, China has claimed to maintain neutrality, yet recent findings suggest it is definitively aligned with Moscow, undermining its neutrality claims. A senior diplomat remarked that these developments indicate that China has not been as neutral as it professes.
While the senior official refrained from detailing specific actions the EU might take, they pointed to historical precedents. “If we confirm the transfer of drones, it will have consequences, similar to our response to Iran,” they noted, referring to the EU’s sanctions against Iran for its military support to Russia.
Throughout the conflict, the EU has consistently urged China to denounce Russia’s invasion, asserting that any military assistance to Russia would constitute a “red line.” Although there have been longstanding concerns about China’s provision of dual-use items to Russia, the direct supply of arms would escalate the situation significantly.
The EU has approached Beijing on this matter, prepared to implement decisive actions if the responses are inadequate. The senior official confirmed outreach to the Chinese ambassador in Brussels, emphasizing the gravity of the issue and the absence of a deadline for discussions.
Recently, a Reuters report indicated that a subsidiary of the Russian state arms company Almaz-Antey, IEMZ Kupol, developed a new drone model, the Garpiya-3 (G3), in collaboration with local Chinese specialists. The company stated it could mass-produce drones in China for deployment in Russia’s ongoing military operations in Ukraine.
This development coincides with heightened tensions in EU-China relations, with disputes arising in various areas including geopolitics and trade. Some suggest that a potential return of Donald Trump to the presidency could stabilize EU-China ties, as observed in 2017, but China’s close relationship with Moscow complicates this scenario.
Diplomats have indicated that the EU may intensify sanctions against Chinese firms involved in these activities, with some speculating that more severe measures could be on the table. So far, the EU has sanctioned a limited number of Chinese companies for allegedly supplying goods to Russian military buyers, in violation of EU law.
The Chinese mission to the EU has not yet responded to requests for comment on this issue. Last month, the United States imposed sanctions on two Chinese drone suppliers and their Russian partners for their collaboration on the production of long-range drones used by Moscow. The US State Department highlighted the destructive impact of these drones, which have caused significant casualties and damaged critical infrastructure.