China is providing military support to Russia - French official
Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping (Photo: Getty Images)
China may provide military assistance to Russia in its aggressive war against Ukraine, according to CNN.
Emmanuel Bonne, the advisor to the President of France on foreign policy matters, was asked if the West had seen evidence that China was arming Russia in the war in Ukraine. He responded, "Yes, there are indications that they are doing things we would prefer them not to do."
When questioned about whether China is supplying weapons, Bonne said, "Well ... military equipment ... as far as we know delivering massively military capacities to Russia."
French officials clarified to CNN that Bonne was referring to both dual-use technologies and non-lethal aid, such as helmets and body armor.
"What we need most is Chinese abstention," Bonne said. "We need them to understand that Ukraine is a conflict of global magnitude and that we cannot offer Ukraine to lose for reasons of principle, but also for reasons which are very operational. And what is at stake for us in Ukraine is much more than, you know, Ukraine sovereignty. It's very much about the stability of the world," Bonne said.
He emphasized that China should not supply weapons and provide economic support to Russia.
China-Russia relations
China has grown closer to Russia since the start of the full-scale invasion. Beijing has refused to join the sanctions imposed by the United States against the aggressor country.
China and Russia share mutual interests in challenging U.S. dominance in the global order as their relations with democratic countries become increasingly tense.
The United States has repeatedly warned China against assisting Russia in the war against Ukraine or aiding in evading sanctions.
Furthermore, China influenced Russia, and Chinese leader Xi Jinping warned Russian dictator Vladimir Putin against a nuclear strike on Ukraine.
