Throughout the course of the Russia-Ukraine war, the United States has repeatedly expressed concern over China’s role in supplying dual use items and technologies that aid Russia’s defense manufacturing sector. In August, the Biden administration imposed new sanctions on more than 400 entities and individuals with ties to China, intending to disrupt these transfers of military equipment and technology.
China has vocally objected to these sanctions, describing them as “typical unilateral sanctions” that threaten global trade and supply chains. The foreign ministry statement released by China last month urged the US to cease its “wrong practices.
However, recent allegations from Washington have escalated tensions even further. For the first time, the US is accusing China of providing direct support for Russia’s “war machine.” This shift in perspective suggests that American officials now believe that China is actively supplying Moscow with items directly benefiting the Russian military during its aggression in Ukraine.
US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell spoke to reporters in Brussels about these new allegations, which followed a visit to NATO headquarters. His comments represent a change in the assessment of China’s direct military support for Russia. These are not dual-use capabilities,” Campbell stated on Tuesday. These are component pieces of a very substantial effort on the part of China to help sustain, build, and diversify various elements of the Russian war machine.
Despite these allegations, there is still no clear evidence to support them. The Biden administration continues to scrutinize potential evidence in this matter.
One area of concern highlighted by Campbell involves the exchange of technologies and know-how related to developing submarine, aeronautic, and missile technologies. He expressed that this collaboration would have “a negative and concerning impact” on American security and that of its allies. Furthermore, he noted that these new areas of collaboration between Russia and China are significant and indicate an orchestration at the highest levels in both countries.
These heightened accusations against China and Russia were accompanied by warnings and threats from Secretary of State Blinken this week. This comes as Russian and Chinese naval and aerial forces plan joint exercises in Pacific waters later this month, further demonstrating their “unlimited” friendship and partnership. As the two nations continue to strengthen their ties, Washington can only seek to manage its relations with China, grappling with the consequences of its own sanctions and punitive actions directed at both Russia and China.
