The European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Josep Borrell, has stated that the West must be vigilant about China’s support for Russia, after U.S. officials warned that Beijing could be preparing to send lethal weapons to Moscow. The role of China in international politics following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has been particularly sensitive for Western nations. Last week, CIA Director Bill Burns told CBS News that he is confident China is considering providing lethal aid to Russia, which could spark a significant escalation in the war and boost Russia’s struggling military.
Borrell said that China has always stated that it is not providing arms to Russia and has no plans to do so. Still, he emphasized the need to remain vigilant. He made these comments at the end of a G-20 foreign affairs meeting in India, which saw a stark division of opinions regarding Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken briefly met with his Russian counterpart on the sidelines of the G-20 gathering, marking their first in-person contact since the invasion began more than a year ago. Blinken had previously told NBC that there is information suggesting that China is “strongly considering providing lethal assistance to Russia.”
Meanwhile, White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan stated last week that if China does provide lethal weapons to Ukraine, it “will come at real costs to China.” However, China has not categorically denied the accusations.
At a press briefing last Friday, Mao Ning, spokesperson for China’s Foreign Ministry, said that the country had made its position clear. She stated that on the Ukraine issue, China’s position has always been objective and fair. It is committed to promoting peace talks and working towards a political settlement of the crisis.
In February, China presented a 12-point plan to end the war in Ukraine. Kyiv authorities have stated that they are open to considering some of these points, but reiterated that any peace accord must involve the full withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine.
