White House raises alarm over China's indirect support to Russia's war machinery
According to the White House, China is supporting Russia's arms industry, although there's no evidence to suggest they are directly supplying Russia with weapons. Jake Sullivan, the National Security Advisor, voiced the United States' growing concerns.
6:02 AM EDT, April 10, 2024
"We have not seen any evidence that they'll provide direct military aid to Russia, but we have expressed our concerns about inputs into Russia's defense industrial base, something Secretary Antony Blinken spoke about, I think quite effectively in Europe last week," said White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan.
During a discussion with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, US President Joe Biden also aired his concerns about China's backing of the Russian arms industry.
Sanction threats do not deter China
At a NATO foreign ministers meeting in Brussels, Secretary of State Blinken informed and cautioned allies about China's escalating support for Russia, including its exports of crucial materials, components, and electronics.
The US had previously cautioned Beijing against sending weapons to Russia, threatening sanctions. However, these threats have been limited to direct support with lethal arms so far.
President Biden is expected to meet with Japan's Prime Minister, Fumio Kishida, in the coming days at the White House. During this state visit, the leaders plan to discuss and sign various agreements to enhance military and industrial cooperation.
On Thursday, President Biden and the President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr., are scheduled to meet. This is against the backdrop of increasing tensions between the Philippines and China, stemming from the aggressive maneuvers of the Chinese navy in the South China Sea. A historic trilateral meeting between Biden, Marcos, and Kishida is also planned.
