The United States of America has issued a stern warning against China if it tries to help Russia to evade sanctions. Anonymous US officials have reportedly addressed multiple news outlets to reveal Russia asked China for military help after its invasion into Ukraine.
The Chinese foreign ministry was not drawn into the debate, but it charged the United States with maliciously disseminating misinformation about China. The events precede the annual meeting of the top US and Chinese leaders in Rome.
According to reports from Washington officials, Russia has in recent days requested China for military hardware, including drones.
In a CNN interview, US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan promised that the United States would retaliate against China “directly, privately” if it continued to backfill Russian sanctions.
While the Biden administration claims that China was aware of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s “plans” to invade Ukraine before it occurred, he added that Beijing may not have fully comprehended the breadth of it.
Because it’s very feasible that Putin lied to them in the same way he misled others throughout Europe and elsewhere, Mr Sullivan said.
Spokesman for the Chinese foreign ministry, Zhao Lijian, said that “the United States has been spreading disinformation about China on the Ukraine issue with malevolent objectives.”
When asked if China had received a request for military assistance from Russia, Mr Zhao replied that this was “fake news.” He did not deny it directly, however.
He stressed that China’s position had been consistent throughout and that China was working to promote negotiations constructively.
On Monday, June 18th, Tom will have a meeting with Yang Jiechi and the head of the Central Foreign Affairs Commission in Rome.
According to a US official, during the session, Mr Sullivan would explain the ramifications and isolation that China would face if it increased its backing for Russia.
China has so far refrained from criticising Russia for the invasion, claiming that Moscow’s “legitimate security concerns” should be respected.
Earlier this month, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution condemning Russia’s occupation, and China was one of 35 nations that abstained.
China, on the other hand, has voiced its “unwavering support” for Ukraine’s independence. It has also urged for peace and stated that it is prepared to assist with the war’s resolution via diplomacy. Several nations have urged China to do more to stop Russia’s aggression.
Ukraine is supported by the EU and the US, while Russia is aided by China. If this happens, the difference will be a more significant line that would make the conflict in Ukraine even more important.
The White House has chosen to disclose its claim at the same time as President Biden’s top security official is set to meet China’s top diplomat. It appears to be a military strategy intended to put pressure on China, most likely to either accept or refute the information.
The stated goal could be to persuade Xi Jinping to consider the benefits and drawbacks of his present position, which was referred to as a “rock solid” relationship with Moscow last week.
Remember that just a few weeks ago, as the Winter Olympics got underway in Beijing, Presidents Xi and Putin announced a new international relationship “with no boundaries.” That clearly could be part of their military aid.
However, in the days following Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, China has criticized the UK, US, and other nations that supplied weapons to Ukraine’s military. “They’re adding fuel to the fire,” he said.
If the US intelligence judgment is correct, and Beijing follows through on it, they will be “adding fuel to the fire.”