China-Russia Dual-Use Cooperation Amid Sanctions

This commentary discusses the ongoing dual-use cooperation between China and Russia despite sanctions imposed by the US and EU since 2022. The document outlines how Moscow continues to receive dual-use items and develop its capabilities in space technology and drone development through collaboration with Beijing. It details the significant trade in dual-use items, noting that in 2023, nearly 90 percent of Russia's imports from the G7's high-priority export control list came from China. The commentary also highlights the cooperation in satellite technology, particularly the interoperability between China’s Beidou and Russia’s GLONASS systems. Furthermore, it examines the collaboration in drone technology, despite restrictions imposed by China on military applications. The commentary concludes that sanctions have not weakened the strategic ties between China and Russia, but rather have strengthened their cooperation, suggesting that Western actors should consider leveraging this relationship to influence diplomatic solutions regarding the Ukraine conflict.