From drone blueprints to chipmaking: inside Russia and China’s growing defence ties

A new C4ADS report reveals how Russia and China have deepened their military and technological cooperation, extending beyond raw materials and components to drone designs, aerospace testing and joint research. Russian technical documents, Chinese loitering drones and collaborative research into combat algorithms raise questions about the role of Moscow in Beijing’s growing unmanned warfare capabilities. The report also highlights Russia’s efforts to access advanced machine tools and semiconductor technology through China despite Western sanctions. While Beijing claims neutrality in the Ukraine war, its expanding trade and industrial ties with Moscow are drawing renewed scrutiny over the true extent of their strategic partnership.