UK Defense Minister: We Have Evidence of 'Deadly Aid' Flowing from China to Russia

Grant Shapps, the UK Defense Minister, has accused China of providing or preparing to send 'deadly aid' for use by Moscow in the war against Ukraine. He stated that US and UK defense intelligence has evidence that this aid is flowing from China to Russia and from there to Ukraine, which is a 'significant development.' Speaking at a conference in London, Grant Shapps did not provide evidence to support his claim but noted that trade between China and Russia has increased by 64%. The UK Defense Minister added, 'We should be concerned about this, as in the early days of the war, China was willing to have a moderating effect on Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia.' The Chinese embassy in London has yet to respond to the UK Defense Minister's comments. The Chinese embassy in the US stated last month that it has not provided weapons to Russia and said it plays no role in the Ukraine crisis. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken also told reporters during his recent visit to Ukraine that China, the Islamic Republic of Iran, and North Korea are providing military support to Russia. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg recently warned China that if it wants to maintain good relations with Europe, it must end its support for Russia's war in Ukraine and cannot have both sides. These warnings come as the President of Russia made a two-day trip to China in late May and signed a contract with his Chinese counterpart emphasizing the 'strengthening of strategic relations' between the two countries. This was Vladimir Putin's first visit to Beijing since the beginning of his fifth presidential term. The White House has stated that China's assistance to Russia in the war against Ukraine is unacceptable. Putin and Xi emphasized strengthening the leadership relations between Russia and China. The Presidents of China and Russia promised to 'deepen strategic relations' after their meeting in Beijing. New US sanctions against two individuals and three Russian companies were imposed due to the transfer of military weapons between Russia and North Korea. New Zealand has sanctioned several individuals and entities linked to the Iranian government for supporting Russia in the Ukraine war. The meeting between Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping is seen as a sign of the 'growing alliance' between Russia and China. Blinken in Ukraine: The Islamic Republic of Iran, North Korea, and China have provided weapons to Russia. There are differing views among European countries regarding China; Xi Jinping has arrived in Paris.