Jens Asbjørn Bøgen
The “no limits” partnership apparantly has some limits after all.
The “no limits” partnership apparantly has some limits after all.
What is happening?
In a surprising move, China has curbed the export of precision equipment to Russia—technology essential for weapons manufacturing, Express reports.
The clampdown deals a serious blow to Vladimir Putin’s military-industrial ambitions, especially as the war in Ukraine drags on.
Precision tools now off-limits
According to industry insiders, Chinese machine tools capable of 3-4 micron accuracy are no longer accessible to Russian buyers.
Ildar Nuriyev, head of Russian firm Tatpromstan, revealed at a metalworking forum that Beijing now requires special licenses for such sales—effectively halting deliveries.
“China has restricted supply,” says Russian Exec
“China has restricted the supply of high-tech equipment, although this is rarely mentioned,” Nuriyev said at the TEMP forum.
The statement underscores growing frustration within Russian industry as access to critical technology tightens.
A cold shoulder from Beijing?
Nuriyev also hinted the new rules signal deeper issues.
“This shows China’s unwillingness to develop partnerships with Russian companies,” he added, suggesting a widening rift despite years of public declarations of unity.
“No limits” partnership under strain?
Despite frequent pledges of a “no limits” partnership, economic realities suggest otherwise.
While the two countries still align on many geopolitical fronts, trade figures show the friendship may have real-world limits after all.
Trade between the allies is cooling off
China and Russia have boasted of a close political and economic bond, especially since Western sanctions hit Moscow.
Yet new data paints a different picture: bilateral trade is shrinking, raising questions about the long-term health of their relationship.
Trade plunges in 2025
From January to August 2025, total trade between China and Russia dropped nearly 9%, landing at around 1.03 trillion yuan—or US$145 billion.
That’s a notable downturn from last year’s US$244.8 billion in trade.
China’s exports to Russia take a hit
Chinese shipments to Russia slumped 16.4% year-on-year in August—double July’s 8.6% drop.
Analysts say the steep decline is more than just seasonal variation; it signals a structural shift in trade priorities.
Russian goods also losing ground
It’s not just imports: Russian exports to China are falling too, down 8.8% in the first eight months of 2025.
Meanwhile, Chinese imports to Russia have dropped 8.2% over the same period, according to customs data.
Beijing cuts back on Russian raw materials
Experts from the Gaidar Institute note that China is scaling back on nearly all Russian raw material imports—including energy resources like oil.
The reduction underscores a significant shift in purchasing behavior.
This article is made and published by Jens Asbjørn Bogen, which may have used AI in the preparation
