In August 2023, a Russian cargo ship named Angara completed at least eleven transports between North Korean and Russian ports. Satellite images suggest that the ship may have been transporting weapons from North Korea to Russia. The vessel, subject to US sanctions, was observed at China’s Zhoushan Xinya Shipyard for repairs or maintenance before stopping shipping activities in February.
The United States imposed sanctions on the Angara in May 2022, and since then, it has been engaged in transport activities between North Korean and Russian ports. The ship’s movements have been tracked by Rusi using open-source data. The US has raised concerns with Chinese authorities about the Angara’s presence in a Chinese port amid ongoing tensions with Russia.
China’s position on supporting Russia is likely to be discussed during a visit by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to Beijing. The Chinese embassy in Washington expressed opposition to unilateral sanctions, but stated that it was not informed about the details of the Angara. China’s Foreign Ministry also denied having any information on the matter, along with the Russian Foreign Ministry and the Zhoushan Xinya Shipyard.
Efforts by Ukraine and its allies to disrupt military and economic support to Russia through sanctions have been ongoing. Previous satellite images have shown another gunship named Lady R moving between North Korea and Russia. The international community continues to monitor these activities closely as tensions rise between Russia and its neighbors.