U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken warned China of consequences in case of China’s continued support for Russia’s military-industrial complex. The American official made this statement during a meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on July 27, on the sidelines of the 57th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.
“The Secretary reiterated serious concern with PRC support for Russia’s defense industrial base and made clear that if the PRC does not act to address this threat to European security, the United States will continue to take appropriate measures to do so,” said State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller following the Blinken-Yi meeting.
Blinken emphasized the need to continue using diplomacy to address differences in approaches and to strengthen cooperation. “The two sides recognized the importance of maintaining open lines of communication in the weeks and months ahead,” the US State Department’s statement reads.
The meeting also addressed the situation in Taiwan and a recent agreement between China and the Philippines regarding the movement of vessels in the South China Sea. Blinken also discussed North Korea’s provocative actions and stressed the need for regional cooperation to address the worsening situation in Myanmar.
Previously, Washington imposed sanctions on several Chinese companies that sell dual-use goods to Moscow. Despite US warnings, “there was no commitment by the Chinese to take action,” Reuters reported, citing a source.
From July 23 to 25, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba made an official visit to China. The cessation of Russian aggression against Ukraine and China’s potential role in achieving a just peace were key topics of the meeting.
Cover: Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Republic of South Africa
