China Sends Weapons and Armor to Russia Through Middle East and Helps Acquire Microchips.
Chinese companies have reportedly shipped assault rifles, body armor, and drone parts to Russian entities since the war in Ukraine began in 2022. The shipments included around 1,000 assault rifles, 12 tons of body armor, and drone parts. While it is unclear if the Russian military is using any of the assault rifles from the reported shipments in Ukraine, drones from one of the Chinese companies connected to the transactions have reportedly been seen on the battlefield in Ukraine. China has publicly maintained a neutral stance on Russian President Vladimir Putin's war in Ukraine, though Chinese President Xi Jinping remains a Putin ally.