As Russia continues to launch extensive attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, the use of fiber-optic drones has emerged as a critical component of warfare for both sides. These drones, which employ hair-thin cables for stable communication, have shown resilience against electronic jamming, and their significance became particularly evident when a Ukrainian drone targeted Russia’s only fiber-optic plant in 2025, leading to its shutdown.
Following this setback, Chinese manufacturers quickly began supplying fiber-optic cables to sustain Russian military operations. These cables are just one example of the broad range of dual-use equipment that Chinese manufacturers provide, including microchips, engines, and advanced batteries, which are integral to the performance of Russian drones.
Amid rising global military expenditures, the United States has solidified its position as a leader in the arms market. The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) reported that the U.S. accounted for 42% of global major arms exports from 2021 to 2025, a notable increase from 36% in the previous five years. Combined, the U.S. and Western Europe represented 74% of those exports during the same period.
Despite China only comprising 5.6% of global arms exports, it is increasingly influencing modern warfare dynamics. Its ability to repurpose commercial products for military use highlights how its manufacturing capabilities are reshaping the arms trade, even while it maintains a stated policy of neutrality in international conflicts.
The ongoing war in Ukraine has transformed the relationship between Russia and China regarding arms and military technology. Historically reliant on Russian imports, China has evolved into a substantial arms exporter itself. It now competes in markets previously dominated by Russia, even as it remains a customer of Russian arms. However, the information surrounding the flow of goods from China to Russia is often obscured by complex trading networks.
Various analyses indicate that Chinese components are vital to sustaining Russia’s war efforts, including the supply of military machinery, electronics, and telecommunications equipment. For example, a report from the Kyiv School of Economics indicated that approximately three-quarters of Russia’s imported high-priority goods in recent years have come from China.
China’s role in military supply chains is also evident in conflicts beyond Ukraine. For instance, North Korea has expanded arms cooperation with Russia while leveraging its relationship with China for its own military needs. Similarly, Iran has reportedly collaborated with Russia utilizing Chinese technology for rebuilding and enhancing its missile production.
Moreover, Chinese equipment has appeared in other conflict zones, including those in Sudan and Libya. The complexity of this arms-related dynamic raises questions about the effectiveness of China’s neutrality claims, as its components continue to support various military campaigns around the globe.
Looking forward, analysts suggest that China is refining its export controls to exert greater influence over how its products are utilized. This shift could enhance Beijing’s geopolitical leverage while impacting the military capabilities of nations and groups that rely on Chinese technology.
