A German magazine has reported that a Chinese firm is in talks to supply the Russian military with 100 attack drones by as early as April.
Der Spiegel reported on Thursday that the Chinese firm has apparently come to an agreement with Russia about the production and testing of the drones. It also reported that the drones are set to be delivered to the Russian Defense Ministry in April.
The magazine said the Chinese drone is a type that carries explosives and blows itself up when it hits a target. The device is reportedly similar to the Iran-developed drones that Russia has been using in Ukraine. The Chinese drone can reportedly carry warheads that weigh up to 50 kilograms.
The report said the company is also planning to help Moscow establish a site for the production of the drones in Russia.
The magazine added that another company controlled by the Chinese military had planned to supply Russia with spare parts for its Sukhoi-27 warplanes.
Earlier on Saturday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with China's top diplomat Wang Yi. Blinken expressed concerns about the possibility of Beijing supporting the Russian military in its ongoing invasion of Ukraine. Blinken told Wang that it would be "a serious problem," if China were to offer military support to Russia.
Der Spiegel reported that German Chancellor Olaf Scholz also expressed concerns about the possibility of China supporting Russia.