Chinese Support for Russia Gives U.S. Opening to Seek EU Collaboration on Countering Beijing

In the wake of a September report that Russia is producing long-range attack drones in China for use in its aggression against Ukraine, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz stated on November 18 that he would raise the issue in a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, signaling an opportunity for the United States to draw Europe closer on China.

The European Union revealed on November 15 what it called “conclusive proof” that a Russian arms manufacturer with links to the Kremlin produced the drones in China with local assistance. However, EU officials noted that further investigation is necessary to assess whether Beijing was aware of the  production of the drones and the extent of the cooperation between Russian and Chinese firms.

EU Alleges Russian Firm Is Producing Armed Drones in China

The EU’s statement follows previously reported allegations of Russian arms manufacturers producing armed drones in China for export to the Ukrainian frontlines. In September, Reuters reported that IEMZ Kupol, a subsidiary of Russian state-owned manufacturer Almaz-Antey, had developed and produced the Garpiya-3 with the assistance of local Chinese specialists in Xinjiang. The drone, which is an upgraded version of the Garpiya-1A, has a range of 1,200 miles and can carry a payload of 110 pounds. Another Reuters report in the same month stated that IEMZ Kupol was also collaborating with China on the REM 1, a Reaper-style drone capable of carrying a payload of nearly 900 pounds.

In response to the allegations, a U.S. investigation found that Russia had used the Garpiya series to conduct long-range strikes in Ukraine, leading the Treasury Department to sanction two Chinese firms for participating in their development and production. The European Union has also previously sanctioned 19 Chinese firms for allegedly aiding Russia’s war effort.

Chinese ‘Neutral’ Stance on the Ukraine War Exposed

These reports undermine China’s long-running claim of neutrality in the conflict, a position which has long been at odds with its actions. While China has previously denied providing military support to Russia despite their ostensible “no limits” partnership, Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly referred to China as an ally in public statements. These public endorsements have allegedly been matched by exchanges between the two countries involving dual-use technology, advanced technical components, and submarine technology, allowing both China and Russia to strengthen their respective militaries.

Moreover, China’s support for Russia has extended beyond the battlefield. Chinese energy and goods purchases have allowed Russia to continue to fund its war machine, while Russia has publicly supported China’s position on Taiwan and criticized American involvement in the region.

U.S. Should Act with EU to Counter Chinese Threat to European Security

While the European Union continues to discuss the issue, the United States should use this opportunity to push for greater alignment between Washington and Brussels on China. Even as Beijing has continued to provide significant non-lethal support to Russia, Brussels has been cautious to support greater economic restrictions due to concerns over retaliation, allowing China to benefit from its support for Russia without suffering significant costs.

However, given the overwhelming likelihood that Beijing was aware of the production of the drones and tacitly approved their export, Washington should seize on the chance of ensuring that Europe recognizes the threat posed by China to its own security, steering the European Union to impose tighter economic penalties.

Jack Burnham is a research analyst in the China Program at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD). For more analysis from Jack and FDD, please subscribe HERE. Follow Jack on X @JackBurnham802. Follow FDD on X @FDD. FDD is a Washington, DC-based, nonpartisan research institute focusing on national security and foreign policy.