中国ちゅうごく ロシアへゲーム機きの輸出ゆしゅつ急増きゅうぞう なぜ？背景はいけいに軍事ぐんじ転用てんようか

NHKs analysis has revealed that, amid Russias ongoing military invasion of Ukraine, exports of video game consoles and accessories from China to Russia have surged.

Experts point out that it is highly likely that game console controllers are being repurposed as devices to operate military drones.

Russia is significantly increasing the production of military drones, and President Putin has revealed that over 1.5 million units were produced last year, more than ten times the number produced the year before.

In this context, an analysis by NHK of data released by Chinese customs authorities revealed that exports from China to Russia of video game consoles, controllers, and accessories amounted to over 95 million dollars last year, or about 13 billion yen, which is nearly seven times higher than in 2022, when the invasion of Ukraine began.

Also, the export value from January to March this year has more than tripled compared to the same period in 2022.

Olena Bilousova, a researcher at the Kyiv School of Economics Institute, a Ukrainian think tank well-versed in sanctions against Russia by various countries, said, It is hard to believe that there has been a sudden surge in private demand for game consoles in Russia, where the economic situation is severe.

It suggests that controllers from China are highly likely being repurposed for military use as devices to operate unmanned aerial vehicles.

On top of that, it is possible to import directly from China without any additional costs, such as those incurred when circumventing sanctions.

It is pointed out that ties with China are helping Russia obtain controllers and other equipment quickly and at low cost.

Regarding game console controllers, since there is a risk of military use, the EU European Union, as well as the UK and Japan, have announced since the beginning of this year that they will, in principle, ban exports to Russia.

Regarding this, in response to NHKs inquiry, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated, China has never provided lethal weapons to any party involved in a conflict, and strictly manages materials that have both civilian and military uses.

China asserts, We firmly oppose malicious, groundless accusations and political manipulation.

On the other hand, it has not been made clear whether any specific measures, such as export restrictions on game consoles, have been implemented.