US Secretary of State Blinken is set to visit China from April 24 to 26. Prior to his visit, at the G7 summit, Blinken issued warnings against China, including pointing out that China is the primary supplier of military hardware to Russia. Experts believe that China has ulterior motives, and Russia might repay China with some crucial military technology.
On April 19, after concluding the G7 ministerial meeting in Italy, Blinken stated that China (the Chinese Communist Party, CCP) has become the major supplier of weapons components to Russia in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, providing crucial weapon parts to Moscow.
The G7 communique also expressed strong concerns over China transferring dual-use military materials and weapon components to Russia for advancing its military production, posing a threat to Ukraine and international peace and security.
However, the Chinese Embassy spokesperson claimed that China is not directly involved in the Ukraine crisis, emphasizing that normal China-Russia trade should not be disrupted or restricted.
Professor Sun Guoxiang from the Department of International Affairs and Business at Nanhua University in Taiwan told Epoch Times that Blinken’s words indicate that the US government fully understands China’s current actions. Meanwhile, Associate Professor Chen Shimin from National Taiwan University’s Department of Political Science remarked that China is evidently aiding Russia as an accomplice in aggression.
“It is undeniable that Russia’s defense industry production capability has significantly recovered, largely due to indirect assistance from China (CCP). This support is a crucial factor in strengthening Russia’s offensive against Ukraine,” he said. “Because by this time last year, Russia was clearly lacking in many weapons and ammunition.”
International trade data shows a significant increase in the export of important Chinese military products to Russia during the over two years of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. According to Atlantic Council reports, in the first ten months of 2023, China’s total exports of heavy trucks to Russia increased by 345% compared to the same period in 2031, along with essential components for military tanks such as roller bearings, essential nitrocellulose for explosives, and chips and integrated circuits for missiles, tanks, and fighter jets.
Despite facing comprehensive international sanctions, Russia recorded an economic growth rate of 3.6% in 2023, outperforming the US and EU countries. Chen Shimin believes that indirect assistance from China, North Korea, and Iran is crucial in sustaining Russia’s war efforts in Ukraine.
Apart from China, Russia purchased a large number of Shahed-136 drones from Iran for attacking infrastructure within Ukraine. Russia also bought millions of rockets and shells from North Korea.
“North Korea has recently been conducting missile tests, and once successful, these tests are intended to benefit Russia,” Chen Shimin added. North Korea’s rapid missile technology progress might be attributed to technology exchanges with Russia.
In a press conference on April 17, US House Speaker Mike Johnson referred to Chinese leader Xi Jinping, Iranian officials, and Russian President Putin as the “Axis of Evil.”
Chen Shimin pointed out that Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran are clearly colluding with each other. He emphasized the need for Western countries, especially the US, to be cautious since these four countries could potentially collaborate to create global disturbances and prevent the US from simultaneously managing various regions.
However, Sun Guoxiang highlighted that European countries, particularly those sharing democratic values, should ideally stand united. Yet, European nations face challenges due to economic entanglement with China, with political and business figures still eyeing the Chinese market. There is room for Europe to make significant efforts to gradually decouple from economic ties with China.
Secretary Blinken stated during a press conference at the G7 summit on April 19 that the US has clearly communicated to China and other countries that they should not aid Russia in the conflict in Ukraine. He warned that China cannot have both ways and must choose wisely, as consequences await if China continues its current course of action. He emphasized the importance of choosing between standing with the West, which represents the world’s largest market, or aligning with Russia, which could lead to severe economic repercussions from the US and Europe.
The US Congress is considering imposing new sanctions on Chinese enterprises aiding Russia in its war activities, marking the first direct targeting of China in such measures.
Sun Guoxiang mentioned that the US has escalated its direct warnings to China, urging China to halt its involvement and indicating that further actions may ensue if China persists. Chen Shimin reiterated that Blinken aims to make China understand that benefits cannot be reaped from both sides, and a choice between aligning with the West or Russia must be made for economic prosperity.