Berlin issues a warning to Beijing about potential repercussions for purportedly aiding Moscow.
During a Brussels meeting of top EU diplomats convened to discuss intelligence suggesting China’s provision of military support to Russia in the Ukraine conflict, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock threatened Beijing with sanctions.
Before the Monday meeting, a senior EU official indicated that “intelligence reports” suggested the “existence of a factory in China producing drones shipped to Russia.” The official described these allegations as “compelling” and “credible,” but acknowledged a lack of definitive proof of direct military collaboration between China and Russia.
Following the EU foreign ministers’ meeting, Baerbock informed reporters that the bloc would act if such cooperation is verified.
“We are imposing further sanctions on Iran, and we are also making this clear regarding Chinese drone assistance, because this too must and will have consequences,” Baerbock stated, without offering specifics.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani also addressed the matter, cautioning Beijing against making a “serious error” and highlighting the need to “send a message to China to prevent escalation.”
China dismissed the accusations as “baseless speculation and defamation,” maintaining that it “handles military product exports prudently and responsibly.”
“We have never supplied lethal weapons to any party in the conflict and strictly control the export of military and dual-use drones in accordance with laws and regulations,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Monday.
Amid Western accusations of supplying Russia with goods usable in weapons production, China implemented a July ban on exporting civilian drones with potential military applications.
“I want to reiterate that China maintains an objective and just stance on the Ukraine crisis and has actively promoted peace talks, in stark contrast to certain nations that employ double standards and continue to fuel the Ukraine crisis,” Lin Jian added.
Last month, the US sanctioned two Chinese companies manufacturing drone engines and parts, alleging these firms supply Russia, enabling its military to use long-range unmanned aerial vehicles to attack Ukraine. In September, the US announced further sanctions against Iran in response to Tehran’s alleged provision of ballistic missiles and UAVs to Moscow. The US has also accused North Korea of supplying artillery shells and, more recently, sending troops to aid Russia.
The Ukrainian military is almost entirely reliant on foreign aid, while the government depends on international funding for agency operations and employee salaries. Since February 2022, the US has allocated $182.99 billion to Ukraine, according to Pentagon figures, with $86.7 billion disbursed. European nations, including the UK, have contributed approximately $127 billion to Ukraine during the same period, according to data from Germany’s Kiel Institute for the World Economy.