Russia seeks Chinese kamikaze drones: Report
UN calls on Russia to withdraw as Beijing offers framework for ceasefire
The German news magazine Der Spiegel has reported Russia is negotiating for Chinese-made ZT-180 prototype drones that can be used to attack Ukrainian troops.
Xian Bingo Intelligent Aviation Technology, a Chinese drone manufacturer, has reportedly agreed to make and deliver 100 prototypes of its ZT-180 kamikaze-style drone, Der Spiegel reported citing unnamed sources.
The drones are like the Iranian Shaheed 136 drones already deployed by Russia against Ukrainian civilians and are believed capable of delivering a 75-100 lbs warhead, Der Spiegel said.
Xian Bingo allegedly plans to transfer components and technology so that Russia can produce 100 drones a month in Russia.
The report follows intelligence briefings by US officials earlier this week with European counterparts at the Munich Security Conference and stark public warnings by Secretary of State Antony Blinken that China was considering arming Russia. Ahead of the one-year anniversary of the start of Russia’s invasion on February 24, the UN General Assembly voted 141-7 yesterday to approve a Ukrainian resolution calling on Russia to end hostilities and withdraw. The UN Security Council is set to meet on the Russia-Ukraine war today.
Intel releases part of US strategy
Public releases of US intelligence information are part of a new pattern since American officials began warning more than a year ago that Russia planned to invade Ukraine despite Kremlin denials.
The White House has exposed Iranian plans to send trainers, missiles, and drones to join the Russian fight in Ukraine, according to The New York Times. Biden officials also have revealed US intelligence showing North Korean artillery shells going to Russia. More intel leaks are likely as Russia seeks to procure other weapons, officials told the Times.
“In addition to calling out countries who are considering supporting Russia, the United States plans to release information on Moscow’s battle plans and preparations, much as officials did in the months before the invasion.
“The aim would be to call out Russia’s efforts to step up or expand its offensive in the east or south of Ukraine, said U.S. officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity.”
Meanwhile, companies under the control of the People's Liberation Army plan to falsify shipping documents to disguise replacement parts for Russia's SU-27 fighter jets and other models as civilian components, Der Spiegel said.
Beijing calls for peace talks
China’s Foreign Ministry released a 12-point framework on Friday morning in Beijing, titled “China’s Position on the Political Settlement of the Ukraine Crisis”.
It calls for “abandoning the Cold War mentality” and without referencing NATO and its eastward expansion says, “the security of a region should not be achieved by strengthening or expanding military blocs.”
The paper calls for an end to Western economic sanctions, a renewal of grain exports and international assistance for post-conflict reconstruction.
The Chinese position paper follows a visit to Moscow by China’s top diplomat Wang Yi, who met on Wednesday with Russia President Vladimir Putin and other top Russian officials.
“During the visit, Director Wang had an in-depth exchange of views on the Ukraine issue with the Russian side. He commended Russia’s reaffirmation of its willingness to solve the issues through dialogue and negotiations. Director Wang stressed that the more complicated the situation is, the more important it is not to give up efforts for peace,” a Foreign Ministry spokesman said in Beijing.
US to send troops to Taiwan
The US is preparing to send 100 to 200 military trainers and advisers to Taiwan, a US official familiar with the plans told Fox News and the Wall Street Journal on Thursday.
This number expands a smaller contingent of about 30 US military personnel that in past has included elements of the National Guard, Special Operations, and Marines. In addition, the Michigan National Guard will train a contingent of the Taiwanese Army, including some training as part of larger exercises, in the US, according to the reports.
Raimondo hypes US chip plan
US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo in a speech at Georgetown University on Thursday said the US is seeking to outcompete China by providing $53 billion for commercial manufacturing facilities in the US.
Raimondo said the aim of recently enacted subsidies is to design and produce the world’s most advanced chips in the US by 2030 while at the same time denying Beijing access to advanced technology through export controls, the South China Morning Post reported.
Code Pink protest noticed
Zhang Meifang, the Consul General of China in Belfast, and former Deputy Consul General in New York, tweeted a video clip of a Code Pink peace protestor interrupting remarks by US Senator Josh Hawley at a Heritage Foundation event on February 16.
During Hawley’s speech, the protester attempted to hold up a sign that read "People & planet not war & aggression" and shouted, "China is not our enemy, the climate crisis is." She was escorted away.
Chinese balloon infographic
The Washington Post put together a cool infographic explainer of how the US military monitored and shot down the Chinese spy balloon on February 4.