Concerned about China providing inputs to Russia's defence industrial base: US
US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said Washinton was concerned about China providing inputs to Russia's defence industrial base, adding that the Biden administration has taken action to deal with that in a «concerted way» with its allies and partners.
He made the remarks while responding to a query about the UK Defence Minister's statement that the US and the UK have evidence that China could be providing lethal aid to Russia.
In response to the question at the press briefing, Sullivan said, «Well, going back to 2022, I've actually stood at this podium and warned about my concern that China might provide weapons — direct lethal assistance to Russia. We didn't see that in 2022. We didn't see that in 2023. We have not seen that to date. I look forward to speaking with the UK to make sure that we have a common operating picture. We have had one; we've been on the same page.
«So, I just want to understand better what exactly that comment was referring to. What I would point out is that just recently we have been articulating, in quite urgent terms, our concern about what China is doing to fuel Russia's war machine — not giving weapons directly, but providing inputs to Russia's defence industrial base. That is happening. That is something we're concerned about. We've taken action to deal with that in a concerted way with our allies and partners, and you can expect more of that action in the period ahead,» he added.
In a big claim, British Secretary of State for Defence Grant Shapps said on Wednesday that the
