Europe Germany assumes China's drone aid for Russia
The German government assumes that China is providing drone aid to Russia. "This must and will have consequences," said Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock on the sidelines of an EU meeting in Brussels. Russian President Vladimir Putin's war of aggression against Ukraine is also an attack on freedom in Europe and affects the core interests of all European states.
18.11.2024, 11:31
SDA
The EU's External Action Service had previously confirmed that there are currently indications that drones are being produced in China for the Russian war of aggression. "We have received reports from intelligence sources about the existence of a factory in China that produces drones that are delivered to Russia and used in the war against Ukraine," said an EU official.
They are currently working to find out whether there is direct cooperation between China and Russia in the field of military equipment. If this is confirmed, sanctions could be imposed.
According to diplomats, drone production in China is said to be a joint project between Russia, China and Iran.
China speaks of baseless speculation
China has so far rejected the accusations. With regard to arms exports, China has always taken a responsible stance and has never provided lethal weapons to conflict parties, said Foreign Office spokesperson Lin Jian in Beijing shortly before the EU foreign ministers' meeting. China had strictly controlled drones for military purposes and those that could be used for civilian and military purposes in accordance with the law. Beijing hopes that certain countries and individuals will not make unfounded speculations against China and denounce the People's Republic without a factual basis, said Lin.
The EU has already imposed sanctions on Iran for supplying drones and ballistic missiles to Russia. The Iranian state airline Iran Air is among those affected. A further package of punitive measures against Iran was to be agreed at the meeting of foreign ministers on Monday.
