Chinese and Russian companies are developing an attack drone similar to an Iranian model deployed in Ukraine, European officials familiar with the matter said, a sign that Beijing may be edging closer to providing the sort of lethal aid that Western officials have warned against.
The companies held talks in 2023 about collaborating to replicate Iran's Shahed drone, and started developing and testing a version in 2024 in preparation for shipment to Russia, said the officials, who asked not to be identified discussing private information. The drones have yet to be used in Ukraine, they said.
Providing Russia with a Shahed like attack drone would mark a deepening of Beijing's support for Moscow despite repeated warnings from the US and its allies. President Xi Jinping has sought to portray China as neutral in the conflict in Ukraine even as Western officials say it has provided components and other support for President Vladimir Putin's forces.
Bu hikaye The Straits Times dergisinin July 04, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye The Straits Times dergisinin July 04, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
Flying beer cups: A regular but costly affair
The throwing of plastic beer cups onto the pitch during Euro 2024 has become a regular feature of the tournament in Germany, with fans unconcerned at losing their deposits and national associations paying a hefty price with Uefa fines.
Defeat wasn't an option for hero Martinez
Emiliano Martinez said he “wasn’t ready to go home” after becoming Argentina’s saviour in their Copa America shoot-out win over Ecuador on July 4, saving two spot kicks and picking his team up off the floor after captain Lionel Messi had missed the first penalty.
Singapore retail takings rise 2.2% in May, driven by car sales
Outbound travel, tepid recovery in tourist arrivals dampen other sales: Analysts
S'pore is worst IPO performer in region, with only 1 listing
Malaysia is top IPO market in South-east Asia, listing 21 firms in first half of 2024
HK retailers bank on duty-free quota hike for mainland visitors
Cost-conscious tourists, residents drawn by lower mainland prices spell difficult times
Over 1,440 hauled up for investigations in one of largest anti-crime blitzes
A multi-agency enforcement blitz saw the authorities haul up 871 men and 577 women, aged between 16 and 91, over three weeks. It is one of the largest anti-crime blitzes to date.
Leaders must be honest about challenges: Chan
In an age of uncertainty, leaders must be honest with their people about challenges, rather than externalise problems, seek easy solutions or reduce complex global issues to binary labels, said Education Minister Chan Chun Sing.
NUS, StarHub to trial enterprise-grade 5G for students and staff
This will be available throughout S'pore for both coursework and research
97% of pre-schools have installed CCTV cameras
Most make July 1 deadline; ECDA to work with rest to ensure they comply before Jan
New centre brings robotics therapy closer to seniors
Bukit Batok facility enables them to receive help in the community instead of at hospitals
