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A Chinese social media post citing Russian state television has sparked interest in Chinese technology being used in the Kremlin's tanks.
A Weibo post by user Xu Zhou Zhi Ting on January 4 has sparked concerns about the potential military implications of technology trade between China and Russia.
The post suggested that a Russian TV program showcased a tank production line, inadvertently revealing Wuhan Gaoxin Technology as the supplier of critical circuit boards.
The development questions the effectiveness of international sanctions aimed at restricting Russian access to technology used in the ongoing war with Ukraine, which began with the Russian invasion on February 24, 2022. The revelations about the technological support Russia receives could have significant implications for the effectiveness of international controls and the broader geopolitical dynamics.
Unconfirmed reports suggest that Wuhan Gaoxin Technology's sensor technology is being used in Russia's T-90M tank.
Wuhan Gaoxin Technology, despite its parent company facing U.S. sanctions since 2008, attended the ISC West trade show at the Venetian Expo in Las Vegas in 2023. The company's participation in international events indicates a willingness to maintain a global presence in the infrared detector market.
Global Sensor Technology, described as a leading provider of both uncooled and cooled thermal imaging detectors, is another facet of Wuhan Gaoxin's operations. The company claims to serve customers worldwide and has established a Russian-dedicated website, which suggests a direct link to Russian military activities.
Meanwhile, Russia's dependence on China for drone technology has also grown as the balance of the Russia-Ukraine war hinges on drone warfare. The sensor technology is critical for drone manufacturing.
The Financial Times (FT) on January 2 highlighted a significant increase in Chinese exports of computer numerical control (CNC) tools to Russia, essential for high-precision metal milling in military manufacturing.
According to the report, the shipments have increased tenfold since Russia's invasion. The increase in CNC tool shipments from $6.5 million to $68 million demonstrates a strengthening military-industrial relationship between China and Russia.
Michael Raska, an assistant professor at Singapore's S Rajaratnam School of International Studies, told FT about the deepening ties between the two nations, which share a political interest in challenging U.S. influence. With Russia cut off from importing European machinery because of sanctions, it has turned to China as a crucial supplier.
EU restrictions have significantly reduced Russian imports of CNC tools, once a major source for Moscow. Analysts suggest Russia seeks to source the tools from countries not impacted by international controls.
Newsweek reached out to Wuhan Gaoxin Technology for comment.
A Swiss report on November 15 raised concerns about the ability of Russian drone makers to bypass international sanctions. The study by Swissinfo, a division of the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation, found that Russian manufacturers continued to obtain essential components for unmanned aerial vehicles from the West or Western-aligned countries, including Switzerland, the U.S. and Taiwan.
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About the writer
Aadil Brar is a reporter for Newsweek based in Taipei, Taiwan. He covers international security, U.S.-China relations, and East Asian ... Read more