During a press conference in Beijing, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed serious concerns about China’s assistance in sustaining Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. He pointed out that China is a major supplier of components that are crucial for Moscow’s defense industrial base, including machine tools, microelectronics, and nitrocellulose. These materials are used to make munitions, rocket propellants, and other weapons that Russia is using to invade a sovereign country.
Blinken emphasized that Russia would struggle to continue its assault on Ukraine without China’s support. He stated that the weapons supplied by China are being used to destroy civilian infrastructure and harm innocent civilians. The US Secretary of State highlighted the impact of China’s actions on European security, emphasizing that supporting Russia’s defense industrial base poses a threat to the region.
In addition to his concerns about the impact on Ukraine and Europe, Blinken also mentioned the importance of maintaining transatlantic security as a core US interest. He stressed that China’s support for Russia undermines this goal and warned that if China does not address this issue, there will be consequences in terms of the relationship between the US and China.
Overall, Blinken’s comments highlight the growing tension between the United States and China over their respective roles in supporting Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. As tensions continue to escalate, it remains to be seen how both countries will navigate these complex geopolitical issues moving forward.