Accusation of China: Federal government fears drone aid for Russia

The federal government assumes that China is providing drone assistance to Russia. “This must and will have consequences,” said Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock on the sidelines of an EU meeting in Brussels. Russian President Vladimir Putin’s war of aggression against Ukraine is also an attack on freedom in Europe and affects the core interests of all European states.

The EU Foreign Service had previously confirmed that it was currently examining indications that drones were being produced in China for Russia’s war of aggression. “We have received reports from intelligence sources about the existence of a factory in China that produces drones that are supplied to Russia and used in the war against Ukraine,” an EU official said.

Work is currently underway to find out whether there is direct cooperation between China and Russia in the area of ​​military equipment. If this is confirmed, sanctions could be imposed.

According to diplomats, drone production in China is said to be a joint project between Russia, China and Iran.

China has so far rejected the allegations. With regard to arms exports, China has always taken a responsible stance and has never provided the parties to the conflict with lethal weapons, said Foreign Office spokesman Lin Jian in Beijing shortly before the EU foreign ministers’ meeting. China strictly controls drones for military purposes and those that can be used for civil and military purposes in accordance with the law. Beijing hopes that certain countries and people do not make baseless speculations against China and do not denigrate the People’s Republic without any factual basis, said Lin.

The EU has already imposed sanctions on Iran for supplying drones and ballistic missiles to Russia. Among those affected is the Iranian state airline Iran Air. At the meeting of foreign ministers on Monday, a further package of punitive measures against Iran should be decided.