Title: Alleged Scheme Involving Chinese Firms, Russian Sanctions, and a Taiwanese Company Revealed

A Ukrainian activist has claimed that Chinese businesses, in an attempt to dodge sanctions and tarnish Taiwan’s reputation, are posing as Taiwanese entities. The activist, Vadym Labas, alleges that these Chinese companies are supporting Russia’s military operations.

Initially, Labas accused a Taiwanese company, Taiwan Rung Cherng Suspenparts (TRC), of altering and manufacturing servomechanisms for Russia’s lethal glide bombs. His accusation was based on a transaction record between TRC and a Russian business.

Labas later clarified that his subsequent investigation found the TRC mentioned in the document was in fact a camouflage for a Chinese company looking to sidestep international sanctions, rather than the Taiwanese firm.

Labas took to Facebook to share, “We uncovered a double operation, not just a new method to evade sanctions, but also a plot to tarnish the Taiwanese manufacturer, a plot executed repeatedly by the involved parties.”

He further revealed that a Chinese company named KST Digital Technology Limited delivered servomotors to Russia via a network of middlemen, including Kaifeng Zhendaqian Technology. These products were later rebranded under the Taiwanese company TRC’s name, used without consent.

Servomotors hold significant importance for glide bombs, as they control the bomb’s aerodynamic surfaces like fins or wings. This control allows for precise maneuverability and guidance.

Labas stated, “Taiwan is being wrongfully blamed. The actual offenders are Chinese manufacturers who are misusing TRC’s name as a disguise.”

Radio Free Asia was unable to get a comment from KST Digital Technology Limited or Kaifeng Zhendaqian Technology.

Chen Shu-Mei, the deputy general manager at TRC, firmly rejected any business ties with Russia and hinted that the company might resort to legal means to safeguard its reputation. “The accusation was completely baseless,” Chen said. He added that TRC primarily manufactures automotive chassis components and vehicle suspension system parts.

Russian glide bombs, while not as sophisticated as Western precision-guided munitions, have emerged as a crucial component of Russia’s air strategy in Ukraine. Military experts estimate these bombs contribute to roughly 20% of Russia’s operational advantage in the conflict.

Ukrainian intelligence suggests that Russia has significantly ramped up its use of such bombs. As of May 2023, Russian forces were reportedly deploying about 25 glide bombs daily. However, this figure has since risen to at least 60 per day, occasionally surpassing 100.

The article was edited by Taejun Kang.