The Biden administration is pressing China to withhold support from Russia as Moscow continues its bombardment of Ukraine.
A lifeline from China could hamper U.S. efforts to isolate and punish Russia for its war in Ukraine, extending the conflict and ratcheting up the scale of destruction.
A top aide to President Joe Biden warned his Chinese counterpart during a seven-hour meeting in Rome of the “potential implications and consequences” for China if it were to act to bolster Moscow, a senior administration official told reporters.
SULLIVAN WARNS OF CONSEQUENCES IF CHINA HELPS RUSSIA EVADE SANCTIONS
The official declined to comment on the type of military assistance Russia has requested but said the United States held “deep concerns about China’s alignment with Russia” amid the crisis.
“There are some serious concerns right now about what role China has been [playing] or could play in supporting Russia at this very critical juncture,” said Emily Kilcrease, a senior fellow at the Center for a New American Security.
The U.S. told allies that China expressed openness to providing military assistance to Russia to support its invasion, according to State Department cables reported by the Financial Times, a request Moscow made sometime during the three-week war.
A U.S. official told CNN that Moscow’s military request includes drones and nonperishable military rations. The supplies could prolong the war as Russia faces new logistical hurdles several weeks into the invasion.
While China’s top officials have publicly urged a diplomatic solution to the conflict, Chinese General Secretary Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin publicly showcased closer ties when they declared a “no limits” strategic partnership in Beijing days before the invasion.
Over the weekend, Jake Sullivan, Biden’s national security adviser, warned of “consequences” for Beijing if it helps Russia evade sanctions.
China relies on U.S. technology to make advanced semiconductors and could face restrictions from the U.S. that would cripple its own manufacturing sector, with Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo last week warning that Washington would apply trade restrictions directly against Chinese firms that help Russia bypass U.S. rules.
Current export controls aimed at stifling Russian industry encompass companies that use American software or technology to create their products, including Chinese firms.
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The U.S. has called on China to halt the conflict in Ukraine, with State Department spokesman Ned Price saying Monday that China has leverage with Russia and could help end the “senseless violence.”
More than 2 million Ukrainians had fled the country Monday as Russia’s attacks on civilian centers continued.
Echoing Sullivan, Price said Beijing would face repercussions for aiding Moscow if it moves to do so.
“We will not allow any country to compensate Russia for its losses,” he said.
