Washington: US officials are sounding the alarm, asserting that China is playing a pivotal role in facilitating Russia’s most extensive military buildup since the Soviet era. The revelation comes amidst escalating worries over the situation in Ukraine.
In a bid to garner support from European allies, US officials have opted to publicize intelligence findings, hoping to rally pressure on China. The timing is significant, coinciding with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s impending visit to Beijing and an upcoming meeting of Group of Seven (G7) foreign ministers in Italy.
According to the unveiled US findings, China’s assistance to Russia spans various crucial areas, including joint ventures in drone production, space-based capabilities, and the export of machine tools essential for ballistic missile manufacturing.
A senior US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, emphasized that China has played a pivotal role in rejuvenating Russia’s defense industrial base, which had faced significant setbacks since the Ukraine conflict began. “Russia is undertaking its most ambitious defense expansion since the Soviet era and on a faster timeline than we believed possible early on in this conflict,” the official stated.
Also Read | Tensions Mount as Russia Sets Preconditions for Renewing Key Nuclear Treaty with US
Highlighting the strategic importance of persuading China to halt its support for Russia, the official underscored, “Our view is that one of the most game-changing moves available to us at this time to support Ukraine is to persuade the PRC to stop helping Russia reconstitute its military industrial base.”
US officials revealed that a substantial portion of Russia’s critical imports, including machine tools and microelectronics crucial for missile and aircraft production, were sourced from China. For instance, more than 70 percent of the USD 900 million worth of machine tools imported by Russia in the last quarter of 2023 were supplied by China.
Despite mounting pressure, China has cautiously navigated its support for Russia, refraining from direct arms supplies and instead focusing on materials ostensibly meant for civilian purposes, according to US officials.
Also Read | US Airlines Urge Biden Administration: Hold Off on More Flights to China — Here’s Why
The Biden administration is pinning hopes on European intervention to sway China’s stance, particularly amidst its economic challenges and trade sensitivities. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is poised to address China’s relationship with Russia during the G7 talks in Italy, followed by planned visits to China by high-ranking US officials.
While diplomatic efforts are underway to contain tensions between the US and China, the administration remains steadfast in pressing concerns over China’s support for Russia’s military expansion.
Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell reiterated the US commitment to Europe’s stability and pledged accountability for China’s actions if Russia gains further ground.
Meanwhile, Ukraine grapples with battlefield setbacks amid ammunition shortages, exacerbated by a deadlock in the Republican-led House of Representatives, which has hindered the authorization of new support from the US.
