China confirms it won't supply weapons to Russia – Blinken
Monday, 19 June 2023, 16:51
China has reaffirmed its promise to not supply Russia with weapons to fight the war in Ukraine.
Source: BBC News Russian, citing Antony Blinken, United States Secretary of State
Quote from Blinken: "We – and other countries – have received assurances from China that it is not and will not provide lethal assistance to Russia for use in Ukraine."
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"[The US had not] seen any evidence that contradicts that. What we do have ongoing concerns about, though, are Chinese firms – companies that may be providing technology that Russia can use to advance its aggression in Ukraine."
Background:
- Blinken arrived on an official visit to China on Sunday, 18 June.
- Blinken’s visit, which was agreed by US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jingpin during the 2022 G20 summit, was postponed after the spy balloon incident in the US.
- After the incident, US President Joe Biden said he hoped to meet Chinese leader Xi Jinping within the next few months.
- On 18 June, spokesperson for the US Secretary of State issued a statement saying that Blinken held "candid, substantive, and constructive talks" with China’s State Councilor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang in Beijing. Ukraine was not mentioned directly in the statement.
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