The Joe Biden administration is pressuring allies to sanction China if Beijing decides to send arms to Russia, Reuters reported on Wednesday. Top American officials have claimed the Chinese government is considering providing weapons for Moscow’s war in Ukraine.
According to the outlet, the talks on expanding the economic war with China are in the preliminary phase. It is unclear what sectors of Beijing’s economy the US will seek to blacklist. The White House hopes at least its allies in the Group of 7 will agree to sanction Beijing.
In recent weeks, American officials have renewed accusations that Beijing could provide weapons to Moscow. On Friday, CNN reported three unnamed sources familiar with US intelligence said China was considering sending drones and other arms, but “no final decision” had been made.
In March 2022, the US claimed Russia requested weapons from China. A month later, NBC News reported those assertions were part of an information warfare campaign. “Likewise, a charge that Russia had turned to China for potential military help lacked hard evidence,” Ken Dilanian wrote.
“The US officials said there are no indications China is considering providing weapons to Russia. The Biden administration put that out as a warning to China not to do so, they said.” The report continued, “The European official described the disclosure as ‘a public game to prevent any military support from China.’”
Commenting on Washington’s recent accusation, Reuters reported a European official said the US has provided “scant evidence” to support their claims. American officials say they are giving allies detailed evidence.
In a recent meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Secretary of State Antony Blinken threatened Washington would take action against Beijing if Chinese weapons are transferred to Russia.
On Monday, a Chinese official said the US claims were “disinformation.” “The U.S. has been spreading disinformation about China supplying weapons to Russia and using the allegation to sanction Chinese enterprises,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said.
Beijing additionally accused Washington of setting a “double standard.” Mao declared“On the Ukraine issue, China supports an objective and just position and actively promotes peace talks.” She continued, “The US, however, has been fanning the flames and fueling the fight with more weaponry.”
