During a news conference in Beijing, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed serious concerns about China providing components that are fueling Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. He pointed out that China is one of the top suppliers of machine tools, microelectronics, and nitrocellulose, which are essential for making munitions and weapons being used by Russia in its invasion of Ukraine.
Blinken emphasized that supporting Russia’s defense industrial base not only threatens Ukrainian security but also European security. He warned that Beijing cannot expect to improve relations with Europe while aiding the greatest threat to European security since the end of the Cold War. He reiterated that ensuring transatlantic security is a core US interest.
The Secretary of State highlighted that Russia’s defense industrial base, supported by China, is producing rockets, drones, tanks, and other weapons used by President Putin to attack Ukraine. These weapons are causing destruction to civilian infrastructure and resulting in the deaths of innocent people, including children, women, and men. Without China’s support, Russia would struggle to sustain its assault on Ukraine.
Blinken conveyed to China that if they do not address the issue of supporting Russia’s aggression, there will be consequences. The US will not stand by and allow China to continue to support actions that threaten the stability and security of Europe.
