Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) announced the detention of a Chinese father and son duo in Kyiv for allegedly attempting to smuggle sensitive navy missile technology out of the country. This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between Ukraine and China, which has been criticized for its ties to Russia amidst the ongoing armed conflict.
The SBU stated that the two men were caught in the act of trying to illegally export classified documents on the Ukrainian RK-360MC Neptune missile system to China. The son, a 24-year-old former technical university student in Kyiv, was reportedly orchestrating these activities under the guidance of his father, who traveled from China specifically to assist him.
If found guilty of espionage, the pair could face prison sentences of up to 15 years. The Neptune missile, significant in Ukraine’s military arsenal, gained notoriety when it was used to destroy the Moskva, the flagship of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet, early in the protracted conflict.
This incident adds to Ukraine’s concerns regarding Chinese involvement in the war. Reports have previously indicated that dozens of Chinese citizens had been recruited by the Russian army. However, Beijing has dismissed these allegations, labeling them as baseless and irresponsible.
Relations between Ukraine and China have been further complicated due to China’s perceived backing of Russia, particularly following the establishment of a deepened “no limits” partnership between Moscow and Beijing just prior to Russia’s invasion in February 2022. This partnership has since evolved, encompassing extensive political, military, and economic collaboration, raising alarms in Kyiv and among Western allies about potential support for Russia’s military endeavors.
