China expanding aid for Russia’s war, Western officials say

Fortune

by Alex Wickham, Alberto Nardelli, Colum Murphy, Bloomberg

February 15, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Western officials have raised concerns about China’s growing support for Russia’s war in Ukraine, particularly through exports of dual-use components and critical minerals used in Russian drone production. According to these officials, without continued Chinese aid, Russia would struggle to sustain its efforts in Ukraine. President Xi Jinping has become more assertive in backing Russian leader Vladimir Putin, making it increasingly difficult for European leaders to persuade China to help end the conflict. US Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker even suggested that China could play a decisive role in ending the war by engaging with Russia directly. The Chinese government maintains its stance of neutrality while advocating for peace talks between Russia and Ukraine. Foreign Minister Wang Yi reiterated this position during the Munich Security Conference, emphasizing that China does not have the final say in the conflict’s resolution but remains committed to facilitating dialogue. However, Western officials argue that China’s actions—such as providing military supplies and economic support—directly enable Russian operations. This has led to tensions with European leaders, who are divided on how to approach Beijing while balancing trade interests. The situation highlights a strategic dilemma for Europe: maintaining cordial relations with China despite its role in prolonging the war. European leaders have visited China recently to strengthen ties and pursue trade agreements, even as they privately urge Beijing to use its influence over Russia. Meanwhile, China appears to view the ongoing conflict as an opportunity to shift Europe’s focus away from Asia and exploit divisions between Western nations. From a business perspective, this dynamic raises significant questions about the sustainability of China’s role as a trusted trading partner for Western countries. The war in Ukraine has strained international supply chains, particularly in tech and defense sectors where dual-use components are critical. As China continues to support Russia, it risks damaging its reputation as a reliable supplier and potentially alienating key markets

Verticals

businessfinance

Originally published on Fortune on 2/15/2026