In the wake of the geopolitical crisis between Russia and Ukraine, China has exported more microchips to Russia and other electronic components and raw materials, some with military applications, entangling efforts by the US and Western allies to isolate Russia's economy and paralyse its military.
According to Chinese customs data, chip exports to Russia more than doubled over the previous year's first five months of 2022, while other components such as printed circuits also saw double-digit percentage increases. There is a 400-fold increase in alumina exports (aluminium oxide), the vital raw material for aluminium production and one of the essential materials in weapons production and aerospace.
It is possible, however, that inflation may be partly responsible for the jump in reported export values. The data show that many Chinese tech companies continue to do business with Russia despite scrutiny from the US.
While Chinese exports represent a small fraction of the country's overall exports, they concern US officials. The Commerce Department added five Chinese electronics companies to a trade blocklist last month for allegedly helping Russia's defence industry before and after the border conflict.
Nicholas Burns, the US ambassador to China, said, "Our government and national leadership has been obvious from February 24th that China should not provide material, economic and military support for Russia in this war."
According to a written response by the Commerce Department, while it did not believe China systematically evaded export controls on Russia, the department closely monitored trade between the two countries and "will not hesitate to employ our full legal and regulatory tools against parties that provide support to the Russian military."
The Chinese government has denied selling weapons to Russia. In addition, China's exports to Russia have declined significantly this year due to concerns over US sanctions.
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