The hand in the shadows: Beijing provides banned lasers and military aid to Russia
- Gabriele Iuvinale
- 4 giu
- Tempo di lettura: 8 min
Serious concerns are emerging about China's role in the Russian-Ukrainian conflict. Russia is reportedly using a mobile anti-drone laser complex (Shen-Nong 3000) allegedly made by China. The manufacturers, CAEP (Chinese Academy of Physical Engineering, involved in nuclear research and already sanctioned by Canada) and Poly Technologies (in the arms trade and also sanctioned), are directly implicated.
This is part of a larger picture of Chinese support for Russia, which includes the circumvention of 80 percent of sanctions (according to German sources), the supply of essential military components, microelectronics (80 percent of Russian microchips come from China), critical minerals, and technological and satellite assistance. China also facilitates alternative financial transactions and participates in Russian infrastructure projects.
Meanwhile, ties between Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping are steadily strengthening, based on a "boundless friendship" and a multipolar worldview. Despite frequent meetings and agreements, Russia is showing increasing economic and military dependence on China, fueled by sanctions and expanding cooperation in key areas, including the supply of strategic materials and dual-use technology.
This growing China-Russia cooperation poses a significant challenge to international security, undermining sanctions and the global order.
Serious Development: China Supplies Russia with Advanced Systems and Extensive Military Support
A new and troubling development is unfolding in the ongoing conflict: the Russian Armed Forces have received and are deploying an advanced mobile laser complex, specifically designed to neutralize unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and other aircraft. The most significant and geopolitically grave news is the widespread hypothesis that this system, spotted in action with the Nomad Special Forces (OSpN) detachment, is of Chinese manufacture. If confirmed, this would represent significant and direct military support from China to Russia, with potential repercussions on the conflict's dynamics and international relations.
The Mysterious Laser: Chinese Shen-Nong 3000 in Action?
The system in question, though not officially identified by the Russian Armed Forces, is strongly suspected to be the Shen-Nong 3000, also known as Silent Hunter or LASS. This combat laser is part of a family of systems developed by Chinese defense industry organizations. Notably, the Chinese Academy of Engineering Physics (CAEP) is often cited as one of the primary developers; it's important to mention that CAEP has been sanctioned by Canada due to its links to Chinese military, national defense, or security entities that could pose a risk to Canada's national security. The system's commercialization has been handled by Poly Technologies, one of China's largest defense companies and a multi-sanctioned entity for its role in providing military helicopter components to Russian companies that are part of Moscow's military-industrial complex. This association further highlights Poly Technologies Inc.'s support for the development, production, or supply of Russian military technologies and equipment.
The name "Shen Nung" is evocative, inspired by a legendary hero of Chinese mythology, and the project has been repeatedly showcased at various exhibitions.
There are two main versions of this laser complex:
Shen-Nong 5000: Designed to be integrated into a standard container, presumably for fixed or semi-mobile installations.
Shen-Nong 3000: Built on an economical automotive chassis, making it highly mobile, consistent with what has been observed in Ukraine.
Intriguingly, as early as October 2024, a self-propelled Shen-Nong type complex was presented at a military-technical exhibition in Iran. This appearance suggested an initial export contract for the Chinese system, indicating a growing international proliferation of these technologies. It now appears that the Chinese combat laser has also found its way into the Russian army.
Laser System Capabilities and Battlefield Implications
A video released by the Nomad detachment in late May provided the first glimpse of this system in action. It shows the combat laser module extending from the top of a camouflaged military vehicle, with an operator controlling it from an internal workstation equipped with a control panel and monitor.
Its capabilities, though not officially detailed, have been unequivocally demonstrated:
Destructive Power: The laser was shown piercing a thick metal plate, with molten metal flowing from the target. Fragments of downed drones show characteristic holes and soot marks from the laser's impact.
Detection and Engagement: The system, with an estimated maximum power of 20 kW, can detect small drones via radar up to 5 km away and engage them with an optoelectronic station up to 3 km. Once the target enters the kill zone, it takes less than 5 seconds to aim and approximately 8 seconds to switch targets.
Operational Flexibility: The unified combat module allows for 360° horizontal and -5° to +80° vertical aiming, and is designed to be mounted on various platforms, including mobile vehicles. In suppression mode, it can damage a target's optical systems up to 3 km (approx. 5 seconds of exposure) and inflict lethal damage on light aerial targets up to 1.5 km (approx. 10 seconds of exposure).
The Russian military's use of this laser complex not only aims to enhance defense against the massive enemy drone threat but also serves to gather crucial data and statistics in a real combat environment. The success of its deployment in such a scenario, if its Chinese origin is confirmed, would constitute excellent publicity for the Chinese defense industry, potentially paving the way for new export contracts.
Chinese Academy of Engineering Physics: Nuclear Weapons, Lasers and Global Controversies
It is important to highlight that the Chinese Academy of Engineering Physics (CAEP) represents a very high-risk entity of strategic importance for China. It is the only national center for research, development and production of nuclear warheads in the country, founded in 1958 with over 24,000 employees and headquarters in Mianyang, Chengdu and Beijing.
In addition to the development of nuclear weapons, CAEP is engaged in advanced research on directed energy weapons, including lasers and microwaves for nuclear fusion, and conventional weapons technologies. It plays a crucial role in military-civilian fusion, integrating military research with civilian applications. Its extensive research covers 260 fields, from physics to engineering, and hosts part of the Tianhe-2 supercomputer.
Despite the sensitivity of its work, CAEP has expanded its international presence, sending scientists abroad and recruiting them through government programs such as the "Thousand Talents Plan". It works closely with several Chinese civilian universities, often sponsoring postgraduate students who are then required to work for the Academy.
CAEP has been implicated in cases of economic espionage, such as those of Peter Lee and Wen Ho Lee, who leaked sensitive information on radar technology and thermonuclear warheads.
Its direct connection to the nuclear weapons program and directed energy weapons research, combined with its history of espionage and recent sanctions imposed by Canada (due to links to Chinese military entities that pose a security risk), make it an entity of extreme concern in the global security landscape.
Poly Technologies: China's Giant Between Trade and Military Supplies to Russia
Poly Technologies (PolyTech), a subsidiary of China Poly Group Corporation, is a powerful trading company headquartered in Beijing, China. It is active in the trade of missiles and other military products.
Previously, trade data has indicated that Chinese companies were transferring technology to equip the Russian military, with Poly Technologies sending large shipments of gunpowder to the Russian Munitions Factory.
China Poly Group Corporation (Poly Group) is a large central enterprise, directly approved by the State Council and the Central Military Commission of China, and supervised by the State Assets Supervision and Administration Commission.
Currently, Poly Group operates 10 major subsidiaries, employs 90,000 people, and controls 5 listed companies both in China and overseas, including Poly Development and Holdings Group Co., Ltd. and Poly Property Group Co., Ltd.
The company has an internal Party Committee that operates under the direct supervision of the Communist Party of China.
Putin and Xi: An Ever Closer and Unbalanced Alliance
Ties between Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping are steadily strengthening, solidifying their "boundless friendship" and a common front against what they call Western hegemony. State visits are frequent, with Putin in Beijing in May 2025 (his first after re-election) and Xi in Moscow for the Victory celebrations, marking over 20 cooperation agreements.
Economic cooperation is growing: Russia is increasingly dependent on China due to sanctions. Trade is almost entirely settled in rubles and yuan, and the yuan has become Russia's priority reserve. China supplies strategic materials such as machinery, gunpowder, electronic components and minerals to around 20 Russian military factories.
On the military and technological front, the Chinese Ministry of Defense has announced an expansion of cooperation, including joint exercises ("Joint Sea 2024"). Ukrainian intelligence reports Chinese supplies of dual-use equipment and materials to the Russian defense industry.
Both leaders aim for a multipolar world order and to counter Western unilateralism, viewing each other as a bastion of stability. However, despite claims of equality, the relationship appears increasingly unbalanced, with Russia finding itself in a position of growing strategic and economic dependence on China.
China's Broad Role in Supporting Russia's War Effort
The alleged transfer of the Shen-Nong laser system fits into a much broader and more worrying picture of Chinese support for Russia, extending far beyond the direct provision of lethal weaponry. Western democracies, in particular, have voiced increasing alarms regarding China's economic and technological complicity, which undermines efforts to isolate Moscow:
Sanctions Evasion: A German Foreign Ministry report revealed that China is responsible for a staggering 80% of sanctions evasion cases imposed on Russia. This suggests a systemic role for Beijing in helping Moscow bypass international restrictions.
Indirect Military Support: China supplies essential materials, including machinery, chemicals, gunpowder, and electronic components for drones, all vital for Russian military factories producing armaments.
Supply of Essential Minerals: Chinese companies provide Russia with gallium, germanium, and antimony, critical minerals for advanced drone and missile production.
Microelectronics and Drones: An alarming statistic is that 80% of microchips imported by Russia in 2024 came from China, used in a wide range of military equipment, including tanks, missiles, and aircraft. China has also directly supplied long-range attack drones.
Disguised Trade: Cases have been documented where the Russian Copper Company (RCC) and some Chinese companies disguised copper wire trade as metal scrap to evade sanctions.
Cryptocurrency Transactions: To circumvent traditional financial systems and sanctions, Russia has increasingly used cryptocurrencies for its trade transactions with China.
Satellite and Technological Support: China has provided Russia with satellite imagery and technological assistance, significantly enhancing Moscow's military capabilities in intelligence and targeting.
Energy and Financial Collaboration: Agreements between Gazprom and the China National Petroleum Corporation have allowed for gas payments in rubles and renminbi, reducing reliance on the dollar and providing a financial lifeline.
Infrastructure Projects: China Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC) has been involved in infrastructure construction in Russia, a role that has earned it the label of "international sponsor of war."
Drone Production in China: It has been discovered that the Russian subsidiary IEMZ Kupol has developed and produced long-range attack drones directly in China, highlighting deep collaboration in the military supply chain.
Chinese Counter-Sanctions Strategy: China has established an interagency group dedicated to studying Western sanctions against Russia, a move interpreted as preparation for potential future sanctions against Beijing, particularly in relation to Taiwan.
Military Vehicles: Chinese companies have also supplied the Russian army with off-road vehicles and armored trucks, used for military purposes.
Implications for Global Security
The growing and multifaceted collaboration between China and Russia, evidenced by the alleged transfer of laser technology and a broad network of economic and military support, poses significant and complex challenges for international security. This alliance not only fuels the ongoing conflict but also erodes the effectiveness of international sanctions and undermines the rules-based order. This situation demands coordinated, firm, and strategic action from Western democracies to counter this dangerous dynamic.
Comments