According to a report by Nikkei Asia, Belarusian defense firms under U.S. and European sanctions have been procuring semiconductors made in Japan, the U.S., and Europe through Chinese intermediaries.

An investigation into trade records and internal documents revealed that, since at least the summer of last year, sanctioned Belarusian companies have obtained semiconductor components via Chinese firms. Similar methods have been used by Russia since its invasion of Ukraine in 2022 to acquire tank components and other military supplies. Semiconductors, however, are even more critical as they are essential for drones, cruise missiles, and other modern warfare technologies.

The report cites data obtained from the Belarusian opposition group BelPol, which gathered information from insiders working at Belarusian defense-related companies. The documents include contracts, transaction records, and payment details involving companies from Belarus, Russia, China, and South Korea. Notably, Belarusian semiconductor equipment manufacturer Planar, which was added to the U.S. sanctions list in December 2023, has continued to procure Western-made components.

One such transaction involved Shenzhen Yuxing Machinery Equipment Co., LTD., a Chinese equipment manufacturer, which signed a contract with Planar on June 13, 2024, to export ultra-high-purity glass made by U.S. company Corning, valued at approximately 3.48 million yuan.

Another Chinese firm, Shanghai Songqi International Trade Co., Ltd., signed a contract with Planar on September 11, 2024, to supply Nikon-made stereo microscopes and related products worth 30,600 yuan. Later, on November 11, 2024, the company signed another contract to export ultrasonic motors made by German manufacturer Piezomechanik, valued at 80,986 yuan.

Planar has stated in its company profile that it continues to conduct business with companies in Japan, the U.S., South Korea, China, and Taiwan. When asked for comment, a Planar representative acknowledged that the company has Western clients but declined to provide further details.