Thousands of Chinese companies have supplied goods to Russian firms linked to the country’s defence sector, highlighting Beijing’s central role in sustaining Moscow’s war effort despite its claims of neutrality, reported Newsweek.

The report, cited by Newsweek and based on analysis by The Insider, found that more than 6,000 foreign exporters shipped goods worth over $10,000 to Russian companies between 2024 and 2025. Many of the recipients were reportedly connected to Russia’s military-industrial complex.

Mainland Chinese firms accounted for the majority of those suppliers, with over 4,000 companies — roughly 61% of the total — identified as exporting dual-use goods that can be applied in both civilian and military contexts.

The findings reinforce long-standing concerns among Western governments that China has become a critical economic lifeline for Russia since the start of the war in Ukraine in 2022.

While Beijing has repeatedly denied providing weapons or direct military assistance, officials in the US and EU have described China as a “decisive enabler” of Russia’s war, citing the steady flow of components and equipment needed to sustain production.

The investigation identified a wide range of Chinese suppliers involved in the trade, including firms producing drone controllers and batteries, electronic components, tracked vehicles and gas turbine engines.

Among the companies named were Shenzhen Ming Huaxin, Teyni Technology, Telperin, Longking International Trade and Sky Tech, each linked to exports of items with potential military applications.

The report also highlighted the role of other countries as secondary suppliers, though at much smaller scale. Turkey accounted for around 5% of exporters identified, followed by Hong Kong at 3%, the United Arab Emirates at 2% and India at 1%.

Investigators noted that many of the companies involved appear to be shell entities set up specifically to facilitate trade with Russia, complicating enforcement efforts.

“Many of these entities are created as shell companies in order to conduct trade with Russia; as a result, shutting them down creates only brief disruptions,” The Insider said in its report.

However, it added that coordinated sanctions targeting thousands of such suppliers simultaneously could significantly disrupt Russia’s defence production.

Western governments have already begun to expand sanctions in response. The United States, the United Kingdom and the European Union have imposed restrictions on a growing number of Chinese companies and individuals accused of supplying restricted goods to Russia.

Last month, Britain introduced a new package of sanctions targeting several Chinese firms. In response, China’s Ministry of Commerce condemned the move, arguing that such measures lack a basis in international law.

“The UK side has repeatedly listed Chinese enterprises under the pretext of Russia-related issues,” the ministry said in a statement. “China expresses strong dissatisfaction with and firm opposition to such actions.”

The issue has also become a focal point in transatlantic security discussions. At the Munich Security Conference, US Ambassador to Nato Matthew Whitaker said Beijing held significant leverage over Moscow.

“China could call [Russian President] Vladimir Putin and end this war tomorrow,” Whitaker said. “This war is being completely enabled by China.”

Putin has shown little willingness to halt the conflict unless conditions are met that Kyiv has rejected, prolonging a war now entering its fifth year.

Analysts say the continued flow of dual-use goods from China and other countries has allowed Russia to adapt to Western sanctions by rebuilding supply chains and maintaining military production.

At the same time, shifts in US policy could further complicate efforts to constrain Moscow’s revenues.

US President Donald Trump has recently introduced temporary measures easing sanctions on countries purchasing Russian oil, aiming to stabilise global energy markets amid disruptions linked to tensions in the Middle East and the Strait of Hormuz.

Critics warn that such steps could inadvertently boost Russia’s income from energy exports, providing additional resources for its war effort.

The combination of sustained access to foreign components and potentially stronger oil revenues highlights the challenges facing Western governments as they seek to weaken Russia’s military capacity through economic pressure.

For now, the investigation suggests that despite unprecedented sanctions, global supply networks — led by China — continue to play a crucial role in keeping Russia’s war machine running.