China will begin supplying Russia

On February 24, the WSJ reported that China may be preparing to supply Russia with artillery and drones for its war in Ukraine.

This news comes just after President Biden made a surprise visit to Kyiv to voice long-term solidarity and support for Ukraine. The meeting came just before the one year anniversary of Russia’s “special military operation.”

This news is also accompanied by the fact that China is sending its top foreign policy official — Wang Yi — to Russia to discuss the relationship between Russia and China, as well as the possibility of lethal aid being supplied for the war.

German media titan Spiegel reported that, specifically, China is negotiating the purchase of more than 100 kamikaze drones with Russia.

Previously, Iran made headlines for providing similar weapons to aid Russia’s military campaign. The news of such weapons — a development of modern warfare — has caused a stir of controversy, as the weapons have often been employed to hit civilian targets or key infrastructure.

China’s potential deal with Russia would not only see the delivery of 100 more kamikaze drones, but perhaps the ability to supply Russia with the means of manufacturing them domestically. Chinese drone manufacturer Xi’an Bingo Intelligent Aviation Technology is overseeing the production.

Meanwhile, Secretary of State Anthony Blinken stated at the Munich Security Conference — where he met with Wang Yi — that the US and allies would implement strict “consequences” if China provided Russia with lethal aid.

It would seem that despite a constant stream of public niceties, good will rhetoric, and open lines of diplomacy that clear and distinct factions are being made. Chinese and American relations re, in particular, strained below the surface level and the Russian war in Ukraine is appearing to be more and more of a line of division and, potentially, escalation.

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