In its annual national security report, Estonia's foreign intelligence agency stated that China is aiding Russia in military drone production by supplying critical Western components.
According to the report, around 80% of these components reach Russia through China, aligning with previous findings that approximately 60% of foreign parts in Russian weaponry also come via Chinese channels.
China is helping Russia sustain its drone warfare by facilitating the transfer of Western components to the aggressor. While officially criticizing international sanctions on Russia, China tacitly endorses its businesses and citizens engaging in trade with Moscow.
Beijing’s strategic interest lies in preventing a Russian defeat in Ukraine, as such an outcome would signify a victory for its main rival, the United States, and a setback to China’s ambitions of reshaping the global order to favor authoritarian regimes. China envisions a world where major powers, representing ancient civilizations, dictate the fate of smaller nations.
Beyond economic and military support, Russia has leveraged its 2024 BRICS presidency to spread propaganda and justify its war. In 2025, the Russian Foreign Ministry is expected to push so-called “peace narratives” across Latin America, Africa, and Asia.
Additionally, unusual maritime incidents have occurred in the Baltic Sea. Ongoing investigations aim to identify those responsible, but it is evident that vessels with obscure backgrounds are increasingly present in the region’s shipping lanes. Coastal states must remain vigilant and collaborate on solutions to mitigate such risks effectively.
"As the Estonian Foreign Intelligence Service marks a decade of its annual report, it aims to cut through disinformation, provide context, and sharpen focus on critical security issues for Estonia and NATO. The free world must overcome collective inertia, stand firm in its responsibilities, and relegate Russia’s aggression to the dustbin of history," the report reads.
