US states that China "creeps up to line" of providing lethal military aid to Russia

The US has recently begun seeing "disturbing" trend lines in China’s support for Russia’s military and there are signs that Beijing wants to "creep up to the line" of providing lethal military aid to Russia without getting caught.

Source: CNN, citing US officials familiar with the intelligence, reports European Pravda

Details: The CNN sources did not describe in detail what intelligence indicates the recent changes in China's position, but added that Washington has been concerned enough that it shared the intelligence with allies and partners at the Munich Security Conference.

According to a senior US State Department official, Secretary of State Antony Blinken raised the issue of China’s support for Russia when he met with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi.

"The Secretary was quite blunt in warning about the implications and consequences of China providing material support to Russia or assisting Russia with systematic sanctions evasion," the official said.

Officials said the US is seeing China publicly trying to present itself as a proponent of peace and maintain relationships with Europe, while at the same time quietly aiding Russia’s war effort and considering the provision of lethal aid.

Earlier, it was reported that the Biden administration expressed concern to Beijing over evidence that Chinese companies were selling non-lethal equipment to Russia for use in Ukraine, including flak jackets and helmets.

But now, they added, there are signs that Beijing may be considering providing lethal weapons, and the United States has publicly and privately warned that it is closely monitoring any violations of Western sanctions that prohibit military support for Russia.

The cooperation between Moscow and Beijing strengthened after Russia decided to launch a full-scale invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022.

China refused to criticise Moscow's actions, instead accusing the United States and NATO of provoking the Kremlin and criticising sanctions against Russia. Russia, in turn, strongly supported China amid tensions with the United States over Taiwan.

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