The US warns its allies that China is stepping up aid to Russia
Blinken suggested they take three steps to counteract Sino-Russian cooperation
The United States has warned its European allies that China is increasing its support for the Russian military-industrial complex.
During a meeting with EU and NATO foreign ministers this week, Secretary of State Anthony Blinken warned that Beijing is supporting Moscow to an "alarming degree" and providing "tools, input and technical expertise," according to three sources familiar with the discussion.
According to Blinken, the assistance is particularly focused on Russia's optical equipment and fuel production, as well as its space sector, which he said "not only contributes to Russia's aggression in Ukraine, but also threatens other countries."
One source said that Blinken expressed concerns about China repeatedly, at every meeting.
"The warnings were clear," the source said. – "There was a change, and you could feel it in the room. It was a new event. It was very noticeable."
Blinken's warnings come as U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen plans to raise U.S. concerns about Russia-China trade in talks with Chinese officials during her ongoing visit to the country.
Blinken, for his part, called on the allies to do three things, the newspaper writes.
In particular, during upcoming bilateral meetings, to express concerns directly to China, to speak publicly about the inadmissibility of deepening cooperation with Russia, and to take appropriate measures against Chinese facilities and companies that strengthen Russia's industrial base.
"We see China strengthening the Russian military economy by supplying dual-use equipment that is also used in the Russian military industry. In return, Moscow is promising Beijing its future," NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said on Thursday after talks with Blinken.
President Joe Biden raised the issue directly with President Xi Jinping during a phone call on Tuesday. The White House said that Biden expressed concern about "China's support for Russia's defence industrial base and its impact on European and transatlantic security".
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