Chinese Firms Keep Supplying Drone Parts to Russia and Iran

Chinese firms are continuing to export drone components to Russia and Iran despite US sanctions, according to the Wall Street Journal. The goods involved are dual-use items such as motors, batteries, fibre-optic cables and microcircuits, which have both civilian and military applications. While such shipments were often disguised in the past, their export is increasingly open.

One example is Victory Technology, which promoted the Shahed drone and offered motors banned for export to Iran and Russia. Chinese customs data shows hundreds of containers of similar material heading to both countries. Some components are manufactured directly in China, often in smaller factories that are not concerned about sanctions.

Trades are conducted through shell companies, particularly in Hong Kong, which help conceal the final recipients. The US has previously sanctioned networks linked to Iranian suppliers, but these have been rapidly rebuilt.

Exports of fibre-optic cables and lithium-ion batteries have also increased, particularly following escalating conflicts such as attacks on Russian infrastructure and Iran's war with Israel.

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