China Sought Drone-Jamming Equipment for Russian Buyers Amid Ukraine War

Procurement Notice Raises Concerns Over China’s Sale of Dual-Use Goods to Moscow

A Chinese trade body sought to buy drone-jamming equipment for Russian buyers last month, highlighting the close ties between the two Countries. This comes amid concerns in Europe and the US over China’s supply of dual-use technology to Moscow.

The government-affiliated Guangdong Province Trade Promotion Association for Russia posted a notice on its WeChat social media site, seeking “interference generators, drone detectors (trade names BorisTone, Assel Labs, Bulat) or other similar technological solutions, UAV suppressors, communication frequency band jammers”.

According to the Financial Times, the buyers wanted a locally made equivalent to the Bulat drone detectors, which were developed by a St Petersburg company, 3mx. These detectors have been used “on the front lines” during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

US Aims to Stop Supplies Reaching Russia’s Defence Industry Through China

The US has repeatedly said it wants to stop supplies reaching Russia’s defence industry through China, which it sees as a vital route to sustain President Vladimir Putin’s war machine.

US deputy Treasury secretary Wally Adeyemo said, “Chinese firms can either do business in our economies or they can equip Russia’s war machine with dual-use goods. They cannot do both.”

Last month, the US Treasury placed sanctions on two Chinese groups and a Shenzhen-based company that produces drone-related equipment.

Guangdong Province Trade Promotion Association for Russia’s Role

The Guangdong Province Trade Promotion Association for Russia was established under the guidance of the Guangdong Provincial Department of Commerce. Its responsibilities include co-ordinating with the province to encourage global trade, assisting in connecting with Russian buyers, interpreting economic and trade policies, and providing Legal consultation services related to Russia.

The procurement notice was posted on May 22 and later removed. A person from the association claimed it was a mistake and that Russian buyers were looking for “children’s toys”, despite the detailed descriptions of drone detection equipment in the notice.

DroneXL’s Take

This development raises serious concerns about China’s role in supplying dual-use technology to Russia amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. As a leading manufacturer of drones and related components, China’s actions could have significant implications for the conflict.

While Beijing claims it does not provide lethal arms to Russia, the procurement notice from the Guangdong Province Trade Promotion Association for Russia suggests otherwise. It is crucial for the international community to closely monitor and address such activities to prevent the escalation of the conflict and ensure that sanctions against Russia are effective.

The Drone Industry must remain vigilant and take steps to prevent the misuse of its technology in warfare. Collaboration between governments, industry leaders, and international organizations is essential to establish and enforce regulations that promote the responsible use of drones and related equipment.

Photo courtesy of The Dead District / X