China refused to supply critical propulsion and steering equipment for Russia's Northern Sea Route ice-class vessels, citing sanctions exposure — a significant constraint on Russia's Arctic shipping ambitions. This matters because the Northern Sea Route is a key alternative to Suez-dependent shipping, and Chinese restrictions directly undermine Russia's ability to operate expanded Arctic fleets independent of Western supply chains. The refusal shows China is willing to enforce secondary sanctions concerns despite its partnership with Russia, suggesting limits to how far Beijing will go to support Moscow's geopolitical projects.