Russian Ship Sparks Concerns with North Korean Weapons Transfer Amid Tensions: Is China Complicit?

Since August 2023, a Russian cargo ship, the Angara, has completed at least eleven transports between ports in North Korea and Russia. Satellite images suggest that the ship may have been transporting weapons from North Korea to Russia. The vessel, which is subject to US sanctions, was observed at China’s Zhoushan Xinya Shipyard for repairs or maintenance prior to its arrival in China.

The Angara’s movements were tracked by Rusi using open-source data. The US has raised concerns with Chinese authorities about the Angara’s presence in a Chinese port amid ongoing tensions with Russia. During a visit by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to Beijing, China’s position on supporting Russia is likely to be discussed.

China’s Foreign Ministry denied having any information on the matter, along with the Russian Foreign Ministry and the Zhoushan Xinya Shipyard. However, the Chinese embassy in Washington expressed opposition to unilateral sanctions against countries like Russia. The international community continues to monitor these activities closely as Ukraine and its allies work to disrupt military and economic support for Russia through sanctions.