Chinese companies are selling satellite technology to Russia, says Dutch intelligence

Chinese companies are selling satellites and satellite imagery to Russia, the Military Intelligence and Security Service (MIVD) writes in its annual report. The report adds that these firms are keeping their cooperation with Russian space companies low-profile to avoid Western sanctions.

The MIVD says Russia is short on satellites capable of collecting battlefield intelligence. Sanctions have made it harder to source components, while a lack of skilled technicians adds to the problem. As a result, the country is turning to “creative solutions,” including open-source satellite imagery and off-the-shelf satellites and data from Chinese firms.

“It may be a satellite, but in many cases it is simply imagery,” said MIVD director Peter Reesink during a press briefing on trade between the two countries. He also sees drone components being sent from China to Russia.

Conversely, China wants to gain insight from Russia’s combat experience in Ukraine, Reesink said. “That is something the Chinese armed forces lack.” According to the intelligence chief, China benefits from the continuation of the war in Ukraine. “If there is a ceasefire or the war ends, the focus will shift to China.”

The MIVD describes the ties between Chinese firms and the Russian state in space technology as “concerning,” and expects this cooperation to expand in the years ahead.

The MIVD says China is taking what it calls a “pseudo-neutral” position, while in practice stepping up military cooperation with Russia over the past year, which it regards as an important ally.