Blinken threatens China with new sanctions over Russian aid
US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken (Getty Images)
The United States is urging China to refrain from cooperating with Russia and aiding it in its war against Ukraine. Washington could ramp up sanctions against Beijing, according to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken after his meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
According to American media outlets, Blinken's primary objective in visiting China was an attempt to dissuade Beijing from supporting Russia's war against Ukraine. During his visit, Blinken said that China supplies dual-use goods to Russia, such as machinery and microelectronics, making China the largest supplier to Russia's defense-industrial base.
"Russia would struggle to sustain its assault on Ukraine without China’s support," said the US Secretary of State.
Blinken also hinted at the possibility of expanding US sanctions against China for aiding Russia.
"We’re already imposed sanctions on more than 100 Chinese entities, export controls and we’re fully prepared to take additional measures," he said.
China's stance on the war in Ukraine
Since the outset of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, China's authorities have claimed a supposedly neutral position on the conflict. Officially, Beijing has not condemned Moscow but stated its support for Ukraine's sovereignty.
Nevertheless, China continues to actively trade with Russia. Chinese companies supply dual-use goods that can be utilized by Russia in weapon production.
Earlier, China stated its support for holding a peaceful conference on Ukraine but insisted on Moscow's presence. Ukraine opposes such an initiative.
