China vows no weapons for russia, but tech transfers continue
During a press conference at the G7 summit in Apulia, southern Italy, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky revealed that during one of his conversations with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, the latter pledged that China would not sell weapons to Russia. However, Zelensky did not provide details regarding the date or circumstances of this conversation.
7:19 AM EDT, June 14, 2024
"During one of our conversations, Xi Jinping gave me his word that China would not supply any weapons to Russia," Zelensky said, communicating in English. "Now we will see if he is a trustworthy man or not," he added, referring to the Chinese leader.
Biden: No weapons, but they transfer technology
However, the President of the United States, Joe Biden, pointed out that despite the declaration of not selling weapons, China supplies Russia with the technology necessary for their production. Biden indicated this as evidence of China’s partial responsibility for the ongoing Russian aggression against Ukraine.
"China may claim they are not supplying weapons, but they are supplying technology for their production. In practice, this means they are helping Russia," Biden commented, drawing attention to the complicated international relations.
Before the press conference, Presidents Biden and Zelensky signed a 10-year security agreement between Ukraine and the United States. The agreement's text indicates that it is a bridging agreement aimed at preparing Ukraine for NATO membership. The agreement's main objective is to provide Ukraine with the means to defend itself against Russia, including potential future attacks.
The only officially confirmed phone conversation between Zelensky and Xi Jinping since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine took place on April 26, 2023.
