'Clear evidence' Chinese companies supplying Russia with military attack drones

Chinese companies are supplying military attack drones to Russia for Vladimir Putin’s war with Ukraine with “clear evidence” showing this, reportedly said a Western official.

Russia’s relations with China have remained cordial since the start of the Ukraine war and Nato allies have accused the neighbour being a “decisive enabler” in the conflict. Beijing insists that it does not provide military aid to Russia but has maintained strong trade ties with its northern neighbour throughout the conflict. It also accuses Nato of overreaching and inciting confrontation in the Indo-Pacific region.

And while there have also been claims that military attack drones have been provided by Iran to Russia, now a Western official claims that China are providing the weapons system. At a time when Ukraine continues to be bombarded by Russian missiles it is a major concern for the country and its Western allies. If true it would be the first time military attack drones will have been known to be sent from China to Russia.

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A spokesperson for Nato said the claims were “deeply concerning” reported Sky News while the Chinese embassy in the UK told the outlet that it was “not aware of the specifics” of the claim.

The embassy reportedly said: "China exercises strict export control over drones, and always strictly controls military and dual-use drones in accordance with laws and regulations. China's position and practice have been consistent, in stark contrast to some countries' double standards on arms sales and their behaviours to add fuel to the flames of the Ukrainian crisis.

"China has always maintained an objective and fair position on the Ukrainian crisis, actively advocated peace and promoted talks, and is committed to promoting a political solution to the crisis."

In July a Nato communiqué said China has become a war enabler through its “no-limits partnership” with Russia and its large-scale support for Russia’s defence industrial base. The document said: “This increases the threat Russia poses to its neighbours and to Euro-Atlantic security.

"We call on the PRC, as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council with a particular responsibility to uphold the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, to cease all material and political support to Russia’s war effort. The PRC cannot enable the largest war in Europe in recent history without this negatively impacting its interests and reputation."