China Denies Supplying Equipment for Russia's Oreshnik Missile Production

China's Foreign Ministry has firmly denied allegations that it is supplying equipment for the production of Russia's Oreshnik nuclear-capable ballistic missiles. Reports from The Telegraph claim that China has sent at least $10.3 billion worth of military-related equipment to Russia, including a specific computer numerical control (CNC) lathe identified by Ukrainian intelligence at the Votkinsk plant, which manufactures the Oreshnik missiles. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun stated that China's stance on the Ukraine crisis is consistent, asserting, "We have never added 'fuel to the fire,' tried to profit from the situation, or adopted the practice of shifting blame and evading responsibility."

China denies helping Russia produce Oreshnik missilesChina responded to accusations of assisting Russia in creating 'Oreshnik' missilesThe Telegraph Reports China Aiding Russia’s Oreshnik MissileChina supports Russian production of Oreshnik missiles – The TelegraphOreshnik missiles: what role does China play?

The Oreshnik missile, which has been deployed by Russia against Ukraine, is described as an intermediate-range ballistic missile capable of traveling at speeds of 13,000 kilometers per hour (8,000 miles per hour). It has been used in combat on two occasions: once in November 2024 against Dnipro and again in January 2026 targeting Lviv, located approximately 60 kilometers from the Polish border. Analysts suggest that the Oreshnik is primarily based on the RS-26 Rubezh missile, first produced in 2011.

Oreshnik missiles: what role does China play?China denies helping Russia produce Oreshnik missilesThe Telegraph Reports China Aiding Russia’s Oreshnik MissileChina supports Russian production of Oreshnik missiles – The TelegraphChina responded to accusations of assisting Russia in creating 'Oreshnik' missiles

Despite China's denials, multiple sources indicate that it has been instrumental in enhancing Russia's military capabilities. The Telegraph reports that since the onset of the Ukraine conflict in 2022, China has supplied Russia with CNC machine tools valued at approximately $3.1 billion, alongside critical components such as microchips and testing equipment. This support has reportedly allowed Russia to circumvent Western sanctions and ramp up its arms production.

China supports Russian production of Oreshnik missiles – The Telegraph

Critics argue that China's assistance to Russia undermines international efforts to address the conflict in Ukraine. Ukrainian military intelligence has highlighted the growing dependency of Russia on Chinese technology, warning that this collaboration poses a significant threat to European security. The increasing production of the Oreshnik missile, with plans for mass production by 2026, raises concerns about the potential for further escalations in the conflict.

China denies helping Russia produce Oreshnik missiles

While Chinese officials maintain that they have not provided military assistance to Russia, the volume and nature of the reported equipment deliveries suggest otherwise. The discrepancy between China's official stance and the findings of Ukrainian intelligence raises questions about the extent of China's involvement in supporting Russia's military endeavors.

China responded to accusations of assisting Russia in creating 'Oreshnik' missiles

• "China's position on the Ukraine crisis has been consistent and clear." — Guo Jiakun, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson

China responded to accusations of assisting Russia in creating 'Oreshnik' missiles

• "We have never fanned the flames, sought to profit from the situation, nor do we accept attempts to shift blame or evade responsibility." — Guo Jiakun, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson

China responded to accusations of assisting Russia in creating 'Oreshnik' missiles

In summary, while China publicly denies allegations of aiding Russia in missile production, evidence suggests a significant flow of military-related technology and equipment from China to Russia, raising concerns about the implications for the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and regional security.

China responded to accusations of assisting Russia in creating 'Oreshnik' missiles