US warns China not to supply Russia with weapons for Ukraine war
Washington: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi amid a confrontation surrounding the events of the ‘spy’ balloon.
The US leader lodged a protest with China over the matter and condemned the Chinese operation. He also warned China against helping Russia. Blinken said that if China helps Russia in the war in Ukraine, it will face more sanctions.
Blinken and Wang met on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference here today. “The Secretary of State has conveyed directly to China that this is a violation of US sovereignty and international norms that cannot be tolerated,” State Department spokesman Ned Price said.
Pertinently, a Chinese balloon flying at a considerable altitude had entered the US airspace. The US had said that it was sent for spying purposes, while China had said that it was just a weather exploration balloon.
Blinken also told China during the meeting that through balloons, China has violated the airspace of 40 countries in five continents, trying to collect information by spying. Blinken told Wang that this action of China has been exposed.
Blinken had cancelled his visit to China after learning about the balloon. At the conference on Saturday, Wang criticised the US, saying the balloon incident was a “political drama created by the US and they are using every tool to get ahead of China”. America’s action does not mean that they are big and strong. Meanwhile, US Vice President Kamala Harris has also warned China against Russia’s help.
Blinken also criticised North Korea’s test of an intercontinental ballistic missile. He also stressed the need to maintain peace and stability in the region near Taiwan. The US Secretary of State said that he does not want a confrontation or a cold war with China, but will not back down from protecting his interests and values.
