China becomes a proxy participant in Russian-Ukrainian war, providing satellite images to Moscow

The U.S. has warned its allies that China is providing satellite imagery to Russia to assist the Kremlin in its war in Ukraine.
"Amid signs of continued military integration between the two nations, China has provided Russia with satellite imagery for military purposes, as well as microelectronics and machine tools for tanks, according to people familiar with the matter," Bloomberg reported, citing sources.
Recall, Chinese leader Xi Jinping has repeatedly emphasized strategic cooperation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, which was termed a "no-limits" partnership in February 2022.
According to Newsweek, though the use of the term "no limits" partnership has disappeared from joint-statements by China and Russia, the two have witnessed increasing convergence since the beginning of the war in Ukraine.
China-Russia bilateral trade reached a record $240 billion in 2023, with Chinese companies increasing investments as Western firms left Russia following the imposition of sanctions.
The U.S. has now issued multiple warnings to European Union and NATO foreign ministers about Beijing's support for Russia being "at a concerning scale," which includes "tools, inputs and technical expertise," the Financial Times reported.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken recently told EU and NATO foreign ministers that Beijing was assisting the Kremlin with the production of optical equipment and propellants, and that there has been increased cooperation in the space sector.
"There has been a shift and it was felt in the room  this was a new development. It was very striking," one individual told the Financial Times, speaking on condition of anonymity, citing Blinken's comments to European leaders.
Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen warned her Chinese counterpart Vice Premier He Lifeng during her visit to China that there will be "significant consequences" for Chinese companies supporting Moscow's war against Ukraine.
On April 2, President Joe Biden mentioned China's support for Russia's defense industrial base with Xi Jinping during a phone call, according to a readout by the White House.