Chinese companies are shipping rifles, body armor to Russia

Chinese companies have sent 1,000 assault rifles and other equipment to Russia, trade and customs data obtained by POLITICO shows.

China also sent drone parts and body armor to Russia via Turkey and the UAE.

Western officials have said in recent weeks that China is considering sending weapons to Russia’s military.

Russia imported more than 800 tons of body armor worth around $10 million in December last year, customs data shows.

The data also shows that Russian state defense company Rosoboronexport has imported microchips, thermal vision devices and spare parts.

Dual-use items could also be a way for China to quietly increase its assistance to Moscow.

Western countries are expected to ramp up efforts to quell these flows.