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U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, during talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Friday, emphasized the U.S.’s serious concerns about China’s support for Russia’s defense industrial base and stated that Beijing’s discussions about peace in Ukraine “do not align with reality.”
Reuters reported this.
During the meeting with Wang Yi on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, Blinken also raised concerns about China’s “dangerous and destabilizing actions” in the South China Sea and discussed improving communication between U.S. and Chinese military forces.
At a press conference, Blinken mentioned that he and Wang Yi also discussed ways to stop the flow of drugs into the U.S. and the risks associated with artificial intelligence.
Blinken stated that around 70% of the machine tools Russia imports and 90% of its microelectronics come from China and Hong Kong, materially aiding Moscow in producing missiles, armored vehicles, and ammunition needed to continue the war.
Blinken’s direct quote: “So when Beijing says, on the one hand, that it wants peace and wants to see an end to the conflict, but on the other hand, allows its companies to take actions that actually help Putin continue his aggression, something doesn’t add up.”
Blinken also added that exerting pressure on Iran, North Korea, and China to stop supplying weapons, artillery, equipment, and other support to Russia is crucial for achieving lasting peace in Ukraine.
China maintains its stance that to end the war in Ukraine (which it refers to as a “crisis”), there must be an immediate ceasefire, negotiations should start, and sanctions and economic pressure should be avoided.
Read also: Blinken explains why billions go for helping Ukraine
