While the leadership in Beijing has now stepped up pressure on the two warring sides after a year of war in Ukraine and has now launched a peace initiative, reports of a possible drone deal between China and Russia in the West are raising doubts about the neutral position of the Chinese.
The plans for military support to Russia by China are apparently more concrete than previously known, writes the German newspaper Spiegel in a preliminary report. According to this information, the Russian military and Chinese drone manufacturer Xi’an Bingo Intelligent Aviation Technology are said to be negotiating the mass production of attack drones for Russia, which could be used in the offensive war against Ukraine. According to the report, Bingo would have agreed to manufacture, test and deliver 100 prototype ZT-180 drones to the Russian Ministry of Defense by April 2023.
Similarities with Iranian kamikaze drones
According to military experts, the ZT-180 should be able to carry an explosive charge of 35 to 50 kilograms. According to experts, the design of the unmanned aerial vehicle is likely to resemble Iranian kamikaze drones of the Shaheed 136 type. Subsequently, Russian arms factories receive parts and the know-how to produce them themselves.
According to information from “Spiegel”, there were already plans in China last year to provide strong support to the Russian army. At that time, a company under the control of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army was said to have planned to supply spare parts for Russia’s Su-27 fighter jets and other models. In this context, apparently, the creation of false shipping documents was planned, so the delivery for the military aircraft had to appear as a package of spare parts for civil aviation. According to the news magazine, the German federal government also has information that China is supplying Russia with commercial drones that can also be used for reconnaissance purposes in war. Military officials refer to such devices as dual-use items.
Beijing government denied
Over the weekend, the United States again warned China against arms exports to Russia. According to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, his government has information that China is considering supporting Russia with arms and ammunition. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock also spoke to the conscience of top Chinese diplomat Wang Yi at the Munich security conference. Both stressed that any military support from Russia in the war against Ukraine was unacceptable. China’s foreign ministry has denied planned arms shipments to Russia, but did not comment on the specific allegations.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
