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U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell stated that China is directly aiding Russia’s military efforts in its war against Ukraine. He made these remarks to reporters in Brussels on Tuesday, September 10, according to Politico.
Previously, the U.S. focused on China’s supply of so-called dual-use technologies, which can be used for both military and civilian purposes. However, Campbell emphasized that China is now directly supporting Russia’s defense industry.
Speaking about China’s latest assistance to Russia, Campbell noted that this is “not dual-use technology,” but materials that “essentially directly support the Russian military machine.”
“This is a part of China’s very significant efforts aimed at supporting, enhancing, and diversifying various elements of Russia’s military machine,” he said, stressing that this cooperation is alarming.
In exchange for Chinese assistance, Campbell added, Russia is beginning to cooperate with China in areas where they previously “frankly hesitated to engage directly”—from submarines and aviation to missile capabilities.
This statement from a senior U.S. official comes two weeks after National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan made his first visit to Beijing, where he met with Chinese President Xi Jinping and other top officials.
China has frequently denied supplying Russia with weapons for use in Ukraine, insisting that it provides no arms to either side and maintains a “neutral position” on the war. However, the U.S. has previously stated that Beijing has effectively aligned itself with Russia in the conflict.
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