Beijing’s official policy of “neutrality” regarding the war in Ukraine is increasingly diverging from reality. While Chinese diplomats talk about peace and call for negotiations, Chinese companies are quietly supplying Russia’s military industry with critical raw materials. The result? Russia can wage a brutal war for much longer than its own capacities would allow – reports Aktualni Zpravy.
One of the most serious examples of this covert support is the export of nitrocellulose — a key component in the production of gunpowder, rocket propellants, and explosives. Without stable supplies of this material, the Russian military would face severe difficulties in maintaining its firepower.
Trade data shows that China exported more than 1,300 tons of nitrocellulose to Russia in 2023 alone. Already in the first quarter of 2024, shipments exceeded 100 tons. This continuous flow of strategic material directly helps Moscow rebuild its military capabilities even as it suffers heavy losses at the front.
Who Supplies and How Sanctions Are Bypassed
The shipments are backed by major Chinese companies such as Sichuan Push Acetati Co Ltd, Henan Energy and Chemical Industry Group Co Ltd, and Hunan Chemical BV Co Ltd. Officially, these are civilian chemical companies, but their products today play a critical role in the military industry.
These firms attempt to obscure the true purpose of their exports — nitrocellulose is often listed in documents as “industrial material” for the production of paints or photographic films. In reality, however, it ends up in Russian ammunition factories.
Moreover, exports are often routed through third countries such as Turkey, Kazakhstan, or the United Arab Emirates to reduce the likelihood of detection or sanction enforcement.
The European Union and the United States have introduced a series of sanctions, but due to weaknesses in monitoring and lack of coordination, Chinese companies still manage to bypass restrictions relatively easily.
Why This Is a Threat to Europe
Anyone who thinks this is only Ukraine’s problem is mistaken. Russia’s ability to continue the war means long-term destabilization of Europe’s eastern borders. Every additional ton of Chinese nitrocellulose reaching Russia prolongs the conflict, causes more casualties, and deepens geopolitical instability.
At the same time, it undermines the credibility of Western sanctions regimes. If the EU fails to counter these silent support flows, it risks losing its ability to enforce respect for international law.
Neutrality That Exists Only on Paper
Beijing likes to present itself as a responsible global actor supporting dialogue and peaceful solutions. In reality, however, it is actively fueling the military machine that destroys Ukrainian cities and kills civilians every day.
If Europe wants to protect its security and its value framework, it must stop being satisfied with Chinese diplomatic phrases. Real actions speak much louder than words. And for now, those actions mainly mean support for war.
