How Europe Can Counter China-Russia Cooperation

• 9.03.2026, 16:25

Beijing provides up to 80% of components for the Russian military industry.

Since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, China has become one of the key external players supporting Russia's wartime economy. Beijing has supplied Moscow with dual-use goods - including microelectronics and components for drones - as well as expanding energy cooperation, which brings Russia significant revenues. In response, Moscow has increasingly supported Beijing's position on Taiwan, writes European Council on Foreign Relations (translated by Charter97.org).

Russian authorities - including Putin and Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov - have repeatedly reiterated support for China's territorial integrity in recent years. Experts note that this rhetoric has become tougher and more systematic after 2022.

According to Western studies, China's share in Russia's imports of dual-use goods has grown from about 30% in 2021 to about 66% in 2023. Beijing also provides up to 80 percent of the components used in the production of Russian weapons.

Supplies are often made through intermediaries and third countries, making it difficult to monitor sanctions. In exchange, Moscow actively supports Beijing's diplomatic stance on Taiwan, including interpreting UN General Assembly Resolution No. 2758 as an affirmation of Chinese sovereignty over the island.

European politicians warn that cooperation between Moscow and Beijing increases pressure on the international order and ties the security of Europe and the Indo-Pacific region.

Experts believe that the European Union should strengthen sanctions against companies involved in supplies for the Russian military industry, tighten controls over the