US threatens sanctions if China helps Russia

“President Biden spoke directly to President Xi Jinping. Our national security adviser Jake Sullivan discussed it with China’s top diplomat Yang Jiechi. Secretary of State Blinken spoke with Foreign Minister Wang Yi has also spoken to Chinese officials myself.” Sherman said during talks in Brussels on April 21.

The US Deputy Secretary of State said that China has seen the sanctions and export control measures that the US has imposed on Russia. Therefore, if Beijing intends to provide material support to Moscow, Washington could consider similar sanctions.

Sherman’s statement is the latest warning that US officials have issued about Washington’s readiness to punish Beijing if China intends to support the current Russian military campaign.

Last week, US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen warned China not to support Russia, and expressed hope that China would use its “special relationship” with Russia to persuade Moscow towards an end to the conflict. in Ukraine.

In mid-March, US national security adviser Jake Sullivan said China would face consequences if it helped Russia evade sweeping sanctions related to the conflict in Ukraine.

“We are talking directly, privately with Beijing, that there will be consequences for them if they help Russia avoid large-scale sanctions. We will not allow that to continue, nor will we allow that to happen. allow anyone to help Russia avoid economic sanctions from any country, anywhere in the world.”Mr. Sullivan said.

Despite calls from many world leaders, China refuses to condemn Russia’s military campaign in Ukraine and does not join a series of Western sanctions against Moscow.

Last week, China said it would not accept any pressure or coercion on its relationship with Russia after the US warned Beijing not to support Moscow.

“We oppose the baseless accusations and suspicions against China and will not accept any pressure or coercion. Time will prove China’s position on the right side of history. history”, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian emphasized at a press conference on April 14.