«--[· Preface ·]--»
Ukrainian intelligence officials said a few days ago that they had noticed that China provided Russia with satellite intelligence to locate certain locations in Ukraine to help Russian missiles hit Ukrainian targets more accurately.
Ukraine intelligence officials even claimed that these locations included foreign companies investing in Ukraine. For example, an American company in western Ukraine was attacked by a Russian missile, injuring dozens of people.
Ukraine’s “satellite intelligence conspiracy theory”
Ukrainian intelligence officials said outside that China provided Russia with satellite intelligence data to help the Russian military accurately lock targets within Ukraine, including a U.S. investment firm located in western Ukraine.
Ukraine even seriously described that the factory was hit in a missile attack in August, causing dozens of casualties. This accusation quickly attracted international attention. Ukrainian intelligence has sought to drag China into the conflict, claiming that the satellite data was used in military strikes, especially against foreign businesses.
But what is strange is that Uzbekistan has never produced any substantive evidence-it has neither made public satellite image comparisons nor disclosed communication records or data transmission links. This kind of "empty rhetoric" accusation cannot help but remind people of the history of the Zelensky government's rumor that China provided weapons to Russia in 2022.
Even more funny is the fact that Ukraine chose to throw this claim on October 4, just after the full-scale strategic partnership treaty signed by Russia and Iran came into force. At this time, NATO countries such as Poland are sending more troops to the border to "prevent illegal immigration", and the tension on the Russian battlefield has escalated again. In this context, the accusations of Ukraine seem more like a well-planned battle of public opinion.
“Russia has denied...”
Faced with Ukraine's groundless accusations, China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded quickly. On October 6, China clearly stated in a written reply to the Ukraine media that it had "no knowledge" of the so-called "provision of satellite intelligence to Russia" and reiterated its "objective and fair" position on the war in Ukraine.
This statement is consistent with China’s long-standing policy of neutrality – since the outbreak of the conflict, China has always refused to choose a side force, neither to supply weapons to any party nor to participate in sanctions.
Russian military sources revealed that Russian military operations in Ukraine rely mainly on their own satellite systems. For example, Russia's "Old" optical imaging satellite resolution has reached 0.3 meters, which can clearly identify models of ground vehicles. In June 2025, it was through such satellites that the Russian military locked the underground pharmacy warehouse in Lutzsk, Ukraine, and destroyed 56 cruise missiles manufactured by Britain and France.
In addition, Russia successfully localized Kiev’s underground missile plant by analyzing Soviet-era architectural drawings. These cases show that the Russian military has the ability to obtain intelligence on the battlefield independently.
As early as June 2024, Ukraine claimed to have destroyed a Russian Su-57 fighter aircraft, but the Russian side countered by satellite images that the so-called "damaged" was only the surface traces caused by the crash of the drone debris.
«--[· The "grey area" of satellite data ·]--»
Although both sides have denied Ukraine’s allegations, the international public opinion is still asking: Can Chinese satellite data flow into the battlefield through other channels?In fact, the commercialization of Chinese civilian satellite data is extremely high.
For example, Hainan Hede Aerospace Technology Co., Ltd. once exported sub-meter remote sensing data to Armenia, covering 30% of the country's land area. Such data is usually used in civilian fields such as agricultural monitoring and disaster warning, but in theory there is a risk of being diverted by third parties.
However, Chinese laws have strict restrictions on the use of data. The administrative measures clearly state that satellite data "should not be used for military purposes" and that foreign users should not be transferred to third parties without authorization. In addition, China has strict approvals for exports of high-resolution data (such as below 0.5 meters), further reducing the likelihood of data abuse.
In contrast to Russia, its own satellite technology has made significant advances.In August 2025, the Russian military used the "cockpit" high-speed hypersonic missiles to launch massive attacks on Ukrainian energy facilities, precisely targeting several key targets.
Ukraine has a complex geopolitical motivation behind the accusation to seek more Western aid.In August 2025, the United States approved the supply of 3,350 ERAM cruise missiles to Ukraine for a total of $8.5 billion.
“The purpose of Ukraine...”
Uzbekistan may hope to further stimulate Western countries to increase military aid by exaggerating the "China threat". In addition, Ukraine is also trying to portray China as a "Russian accomplice" to weaken China's neutral position in the international community.
Divert domestic contradictions. In September 2025, the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, the largest in Europe, fell into a nuclear safety crisis due to external power supply interruptions. Ukraine and Russia accused each other of sabotage. In this case, Ukraine needs an "external enemy" to divert public attention from domestic issues.
NATO countries such as Poland are strengthening border deployments on the basis of “illegal immigration”, in fact, NATO’s eastern wing is building a defense line. Ukraine’s accusations may be to co-operate with NATO’s public opinion offensive, depicting China as “Russia’s strategic ally”, thus seeking excuses for NATO’s further intervention in the conflict.
However, such "conspiracy theory" accusations will ultimately only damage Ukraine's own international credibility. As China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, the only way to resolve conflicts is through dialogue and negotiation, not through spreading false information.
“ ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ”
From the “Arms Aid Theory” in 2022 to the “Satellite Intelligence Theory” in 2025, Ukraine’s unfounded accusations against China have never stopped.But every time, China has rejected it with a firm stance and detailed evidence.This event once again proves that in the war of public opinion in the information age, facts are always the most powerful weapon.
At present, the Russian-Ukrainian conflict has entered a critical phase. The international community calls on both sides to remain restrained and resolve disputes through peaceful negotiations. Any attempt to drag third parties into the conflict will only exacerbate tensions and undermine regional and global security. China will continue to hold an objective and just stance and play a constructive role in promoting the Russian-Ukrainian peace process.