The United States has expressed significant concern regarding a reported clandestine Russian war drone project in China, as disclosed by a White House spokesperson on September 25, 2024. This development appears to involve a Chinese entity providing assistance to a US-sanctioned Russian company, raising alarms in Washington.
The National Security Council (NSC) spokesperson clarified that there is no evidence suggesting the Chinese government's awareness or involvement in these transactions. However, they emphasized that Beijing bears responsibility for ensuring its companies do not provide lethal aid to Russia.
According to two European intelligence sources and documents reviewed by Reuters, Russia has established a weapons program in China focused on developing and manufacturing long-range attack drones for use in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine. This revelation comes amidst the backdrop of the war that began on February 24, 2022, now in its third year.
The use of drones in warfare has a long history, dating back to World War I. Since then, the technology has advanced significantly, with modern long-range drones capable of flying for over 24 hours without refueling. China, currently the world's largest manufacturer of commercial drones, has seen its drone industry grow exponentially, with projections estimating it to reach $43 billion by the end of 2024.
The NSC spokesperson stated, "These transactions are further evidence that the PRC government's efforts are clearly not meeting the mark." This statement underscores the growing tension between the US and China, which has been exacerbated by the ongoing trade war that began in 2018.
In response to this revelation, the United States is prepared to take swift action against the Chinese companies identified in the report. Additionally, investigations will be launched into the banks that facilitated transactions with the sanctioned Russian entity. This approach aligns with the US "maximum pressure" sanctions policy against Russia, which has been in place since 2014 and intensified following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The US has a complex history of using sanctions as a foreign policy tool, dating back to 1917. In the context of the Ukraine conflict, the US has provided over $75 billion in aid to Ukraine since 2022, demonstrating its commitment to supporting Kyiv against Russian aggression.
"The PRC government also has a responsibility to ensure its companies are not providing lethal assistance."
This situation highlights the intricate geopolitical landscape, where the US-China-Russia triangle plays a crucial role. The "no limits" partnership announced by China and Russia in February 2022 has further complicated matters, raising concerns about potential military cooperation between the two nations.
As the situation unfolds, the United States plans to coordinate with its European allies on the next steps. This collaborative approach reflects the international community's ongoing efforts to address the use of armed drones, a topic that has been debated at the United Nations since 2013.
The development of this secret drone program also raises questions about compliance with international law, including the Geneva Conventions, which restrict certain types of weapons in warfare. As tensions escalate, the international community watches closely to see how this situation will impact global relations and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.