US urged European countries to take firmer stance against China's cooperation with Russia
US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell (photo: flickr.com)
The US is urging its European partners to express their concerns about the strengthening of defense cooperation between China and Russia, states US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell.
Over the past two days, the diplomat held a series of meetings with officials from Belgium, NATO, and the EU. During these discussions, he provided allies with detailed information about China's substantial support for Russia’s military-industrial base and its impact on the battlefield in Ukraine.
According to him, much of the support was provided covertly.
"We've asked our European colleagues... to do more and to align with us on our public statements of concern and careful indications of being prepared to take steps to signal displeasure," Campbell said.
He also pointed out that even more rigorous monitoring of certain financial institutions and communicating this could have significant consequences as both China and Russia are closely watching the financial system and are concerned about potential measures against them.
Campbell stated that Russia is increasingly collaborating with China in research and support in areas such as submarines, aviation design, including stealth technology, and missile capabilities.
For example, the diplomat noted that China's advancements in submarine technology could undermine the current underwater advantages of the US. Meanwhile, Russian assistance in enhancing certain Chinese military capabilities will have an important, negative, and worrying impact on other countries in the Indo-Pacific region.
Campbell highlighted that the US, EU, and NATO partners are increasingly aligning their policies on China.
"There are some countries, a few that probably lag and take different perspectives. But I would say that the larger gravity of both the EU and NATO are moving towards growing anxiety about various steps that China is taking," said the US Deputy Secretary of State.
China-Russia cooperation
China and Russia have planned joint military exercises, North-Joint 2024, set to take place in September. These maneuvers will be conducted in the air and over the maritime regions surrounding the Sea of Japan and the Sea of Okhotsk.
While the US does not perceive these exercises as a direct threat, they intend to closely monitor the situation.
Meanwhile, NATO believes that China’s regular covert support for Russia’s defense sector could negatively impact Beijing's interests and reputation.
