Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping meet in February 2022. Aleksey Druzhinin/Kremlin/Reuters
By The Smartencyclopedia Staff & Agencies
Washington
China is reportedly providing significant support to Russia’s military efforts in Ukraine, marking its most substantial military assistance to Moscow since the Soviet era, according to senior US officials who spoke on condition of anonymity. The alleged aid includes drone and missile technology, satellite imagery, machine tools, and other critical materials.
US President Joe Biden reportedly addressed this issue in a recent phone call with Chinese President Xi Jinping, highlighting it as a matter of concern in discussions with US allies in Europe and beyond.
According to one US official, Chinese contributions are plugging critical gaps in Russia’s defense production cycle, facilitating what is described as Moscow’s “most ambitious defense expansion since the Soviet era.” The official emphasized the urgency of persuading China to cease its support, asserting that Russia’s war efforts would struggle to sustain without Chinese input.
The revelations were made during a small briefing with reporters, where declassified intelligence was cited to illustrate the extent of China’s alleged involvement. Despite not providing lethal assistance, China’s purported support is believed to significantly bolster Russia’s military capabilities in its ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
In response to these claims, a spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in the US denied allegations of supplying weaponry to any party involved in the Ukraine crisis. The spokesperson urged the US to refrain from disparaging the normal trade relationship between China and Russia.
Meanwhile, President Biden has been urging the Republican-controlled House of Representatives to approve increased funding for providing weapons to Ukraine in its defense against Russian forces.
The US and its allies have been increasingly vocal in addressing Chinese aggression in various regions, including the South China Sea and towards Taiwan. Recent diplomatic engagements between President Biden and leaders from Japan and the Philippines drew criticism from China, which accused the US of engaging in anti-China rhetoric.
US officials pointed out specific instances of alleged Chinese support, including the provision of machine tools used in ballistic missile production, microelectronics crucial for military hardware, optical components for tanks and armored vehicles, drone engines, and propellants for weapons.
Additionally, China’s purported assistance extends to satellite and space-based capabilities, enhancing Russia’s military capabilities in the conflict zone. Concerns were raised regarding China’s provision of imagery to Russia for its operations in Ukraine, heightening the Russian threat across Europe.
As international scrutiny mounts over China’s alleged role in supporting Russia’s military endeavors, the situation underscores the complex dynamics at play in the ongoing conflict and the broader geopolitical ramifications of such alliances.