Russia Acquires Second-Hand Chinese Tools, Switches to National Currencies with Vietnam

Jun 20, 2024, 09:30 AM

Russia is acquiring second-hand machine tools from China to bolster its weapons production amid ongoing sanctions, according to reports from the Financial Times. These machines, which are 20-30 years old and include high-precision Japanese Tsugami models, are being purchased through intermediaries to avoid detection. Custom files have laid an evidence trail of these transactions. This effort is part of a broader strategy by Russia to circumvent Western embargoes and continue its military operations against Ukraine. The Center for Advanced Defense Studies (C4ADS) has identified these shady schemes. Additionally, Russia and Vietnam are increasingly conducting trade in their national currencies, bypassing the US dollar and euro. President Vladimir Putin emphasized the importance of this transition, noting that over 60% of Russia-Vietnam transactions are now in rubles and dong.