China is considering supplying Russia with weapons and ammunition to continue its war in Ukraine, and it is known that China is already providing Russia with support that is not related to the supply of weapons, writes the BBC.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that the latest information indicates that Beijing could also supply weapons to the aggressor. This would have serious consequences for China, he added. Chinese President Xi Jinping is an ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin and has not publicly condemned the war in Ukraine.
China’s Foreign Ministry has announced that it will not tolerate US interference in its relations with Russia.
Blinken met with Chinese diplomat Wang Yi at the Munich Security Conference and told CBS afterward that he has concerns about the possibility of China supplying arms to Russia. He said:
«To date, we have seen Chinese companies… provide non-lethal support to Russia for use in Ukraine. The concern that we have now is based on information we have that they’re considering providing lethal support.»
Blinken did not explain what information had been received.
The US has imposed sanctions on a Chinese company accused of handing over a satellite image of Ukraine to Russian mercenaries Wagner group. Blinken pointed out that the distinction between state-owned and private enterprises in China is virtually non-existent.
Relations between Washington and Beijing have already become more strained since the United States shot down an alleged Chinese spy balloon in its airspace in early February.
Blinken also informed that the US is concerned that China is helping Russia to circumvent the sanctions imposed on it. They were introduced to slow the Russian economy and reduce its ability to finance the war. Meanwhile, Russia’s trade with China is growing.
NATO countries, including the US, supply various weapons and military equipment to Ukraine. In January, Western countries also agreed on the transfer of tanks to Ukraine. Currently, Kyiv has also requested fighter jets. Blinken pointed out that allies should not focus on just one type of weapon. He added that the West must ensure that Ukraine has everything it needs for a counterattack. Russia is currently trying to advance in the eastern regions of Ukraine.
Blinken expressed his concerns ahead of Yi’s visit to Moscow. According to Yi, China plans to release a document clarifying its position, which will also state that the territorial integrity of all countries must be respected.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani has indicated that the Chinese President plans to deliver a speech on peace on the 24th of February. According to Tajani, Jinping will call for thinking about a peace settlement without condemning Russia.
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