Some senior Russian officials raised concerns about a decade ago about the risks of over-reliance on Chinese technology after Moscow lost access to alternative suppliers due to U.S. and EU sanctions in response to military action in Ukraine. It is reported by RBC with reference to Bloomberg.
The agency refers to a previously unpublished report by the Russian Ministry of Digital Development, which was compiled in the summer of 2022. According to Bloomberg, it says some officials believe companies like Huawei and China Mobile Ltd could dominate the Russian market. This, in turn, may pose risks to the information security of the country. According to Bloomberg, microcircuits and radio-electronic devices are classified as particularly vulnerable groups in the report.
European officials familiar with the document say the concerns are shared by several members of the Russian General Staff, as well as some members of the country’s Security Council. They echo warnings in the US and Europe about the security risk associated with the use of Chinese technology, the agency writes. For example, in May 2019, the US Department of Commerce imposed sanctions against Huawei, believing that Beijing was engaged in espionage through its 5G network equipment that it supplies to the US market, thereby undermining the country’s national security. China denied the allegations.
In addition, the agency writes, Russian officials fear that dependence on China could hinder the development of domestic industry: Moscow is striving to produce critical equipment on its own.
According to Bloomberg interlocutors, the report shows that Russia wanted to buy radio electronics, base stations, microcircuits, materials used in semiconductors and other technologies from China. Russian and Chinese officials held several rounds of talks to discuss the supply of technical components, an increase in production capacity in Russia, and possible investment in Russian industry, the agency writes.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry said they could not verify the accuracy of the data provided by the agency. The Russian Ministry of Digital Development did not respond to Bloomberg’s request.
According to European officials interviewed by the agency, Russia “has painted itself into a corner” because of the sanctions was cut off from foreign markets. At the same time, the US and the EU are tightening enforcement to prevent Moscow from importing electronic components through third countries. Beijing has repeatedly criticized the use of sanctions to isolate Russia, but Chinese companies are trying not to violate Western measures, fearing that they themselves could be subject to restrictions, writes Bloomberg.
Source: Rosbalt
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