During his visit to China, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken raised concerns about China’s support for Russia in the war against Ukraine. He stated that Russia would have difficulty sustaining its assault on Ukraine without China’s backing. Blinken emphasized that China could improve its relations with the US and the EU if it stops supplying critical components to Russia, such as machine tools, microelectronics, and optics, which are used to produce munitions.
Blinken warned that China’s support for Russia’s aggression in Ukraine not only poses a threat to Europe but also fuels the biggest security threat to the region since the end of the Cold War. He mentioned that the US has already taken actions against Chinese entities involved in this and that further actions could be taken if China does not change course.
In addition to discussing China’s involvement in the conflict in Ukraine, Blinken also addressed the relationship between China and Iran. He urged Beijing to use its influence to prevent Iran and its proxies from escalating conflicts in the Middle East. Meanwhile, Russia and Iran are strengthening their military cooperation, as evidenced by a meeting between the defense ministers of both countries in Astana.
The Iranian defense minister thanked Russia for its support during an attack on the Iranian consulate in Damascus. This meeting further solidified the deepening and expanding relations between Moscow and Tehran. The international dynamics between Russia, China, Iran, and the US are complex and evolving, with implications for global security and stability.