Chinese Government new export curbs cut off Russia’s access to precision tools vital for weapons production, signaling strain in their once-tight alliance.
China has imposed new restrictions on exports of high-precision manufacturing equipment to Russia, delivering a major setback to President Vladimir Putin’s military-industrial complex and casting fresh doubt on the strength of the two nations’ strategic partnership.
According to reports from Russian industry insiders, Beijing has tightened export rules on machine tools with an accuracy of 3–4 microns — equipment crucial for producing advanced weapons and military components.
The development was confirmed by Ildar Nuriyev, head of the Russian engineering firm Tatpromstan, who revealed at the TEMP metalworking forum that “China has restricted the supply of high-tech equipment, although this is rarely mentioned.” He added that companies now require special export licenses, making access “virtually impossible.”
The move represents a significant policy shift for Beijing, which has been Moscow’s most important economic partner since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, that triggered sweeping Western sanctions. Analysts say the export limits indicate China’s growing caution toward deepening technological ties with Russia, especially as pressure from the United States and European Union mounts on countries aiding Moscow’s war effort.
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Recent trade data further underscores a cooling relationship. Figures from China’s Customs agency show that Chinese shipments to Russia fell 16.4% in August compared to a year earlier — nearly double the 8.6% decline recorded in July.
Overall trade between the two countries dropped nearly 9% in the first eight months of 2025, totaling 1.03 trillion yuan (about US$145 billion). Russian exports to China slid 8.8%, while Chinese imports from Russia fell 8.2%. Experts at the Gaidar Institute in Moscow note that China has reduced purchases across nearly all Russian raw materials, including oil, once a key pillar of their trade relationship.
For Moscow, the timing is particularly damaging. The Kremlin has relied heavily on Chinese suppliers for advanced technology after Western nations imposed export bans on semiconductors, electronics, and precision tools essential to arms manufacturing.
While President Xi Jinping has repeatedly described China’s relationship with Russia as a “no limits” partnership, the latest restrictions suggest those limits may, in practice, be tightening.
Analysts say Beijing’s move underscores its desire to balance strategic support for Moscow with its need to avoid secondary sanctions that could endanger its global trade interests.
