To keep US in check, China helping Russia with smuggled parts from West to make drones: Estonia

China might be helping Russia ramp up production of drones by smuggling critical Western components, Estonia alleged Wednesday (February 12) in an annual national security report.

The report, prepared by Estonia’s foreign intelligence, claimed about 80 per cent of Moscow’s imports of critical components came from China, up from previous estimates of 60 per cent.

The agency’s director general alleged that China is trying hard to shore up Russia as Ukraine’s victory would be considered a major win for the US, Beijing’s arch-rival.

“Chinese interests here lie in preventing Russia from losing the war in Ukraine as such an outcome would represent a victory for the United States, which is the main rival for China,” Kaupo Rosin was quoted as saying by Reuters.

The report also noted that China was becoming Russia’s primary hub for importing dual-use goods, those placed under Western sanctions.

‘A major threat for West’

The report added that China’s intervention was hugely undermining Western sanctions on Russia.

“This approach will likely decrease Russia’s dependency on Western components and, in the long term, could undermine the West’s ability to leverage influence in this domain,” said the report.

“The Chinese government… facilitates bilateral cooperation and covert transfers of dual-use components through private companies,” it further alleged.

According to media reports, Russia doesn’t have the required expertise to produce high-end drone parts locally, forcing it to look westwards.

To evade sanctions, Russia is likely using the offices of Western companies in China, the report claimed.

Russia’s emphasis on drone production

The report said Russia was looking to double down on its drone production, with focus on localised version of Iranian Kamikaze drones.

It also highlighted Russia’s plans to expand its military to 1.5 million personnel, up from 600-700 thousand in autumn 2022.

Previous such reports

Earlier in February, some reports emerged that Kyrgyzstan might also be becoming a major conduit for smuggling goods into Russia.

Nations like Italy and Georgia have reported a surge in exports to Kyrgyzstan since the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Analysts believe that the goods are highly likely being shipped to Russia.

(With inputs from agencies)