U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken called upon China to closely monitor and investigate the involvement of private entities within its jurisdiction that could potentially contribute to Russia’s military capabilities, in the midst of the ongoing Ukraine conflict.
The Secretary of State, while recognizing the complexity of the situation, highlighted the significance of preventing the flow of technology that could be utilized in an adversarial manner against Ukraine.
Although Secretary Blinken did not provide specific details regarding the nature of the technology or the identities of the private companies involved, his request reflects the growing apprehension within the international community regarding the possibility of third-party contributions fueling the conflict.
In a statement issued on Monday, Secretary Blinken underscored his concerns while clarifying that he has not come across any evidence indicating that Beijing is directly providing lethal aid to Moscow.
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Western powers have provided Ukraine with substantial military assistance, including billions of dollars worth of support. During this time, China has faced allegations, which it vehemently denies, of supplying lethal weapons to Russia. It is worth noting that China and Russia had previously announced a “no-limits” partnership shortly before the invasion of Ukraine.
Addressing the issue of lethal aid to Russia in the context of the Ukraine conflict, Secretary Blinken clarified that the United States and other countries have received assurances from China that it is not and will not provide lethal assistance to Russia for use in Ukraine. This statement aims to dispel concerns regarding China’s alleged involvement in supplying weapons that could escalate the conflict further.
While the visit to Beijing did not yield any major breakthroughs, it served as an important platform for reaffirming diplomatic channels and clarifying positions between the United States and China. Both sides acknowledged the significance of maintaining stability and averting the risk of armed conflict. The discussions highlighted China’s stated commitment to refrain from providing lethal assistance to Russia for use in Ukraine, as confirmed by Secretary Blinken.
Related:
- Xiaomi Accused of Being an “International War Sponsor” by Ukraine
- Here is the GRAMMY’s Viewpoint on AI winning Awards for AI-Generated Music
- China-South Korea Technology Trade Declines in May, thanks to the Ongoing US-Chian Tech War
(via)
