Beijing refutes “false” US claims that it may supply weapons to Russia

Beijing on Monday slammed what it said were “false” allegations by the United States that China is considering arming Russia in its war against Ukraine.

“It is the United States, not China, that is endlessly shipping weapons to the battlefield,” said Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin, when asked about the US allegations.

“We urge the United States to seriously reflect on its actions, do more to de-escalate the situation, promote peace and dialogue, and stop blaming and spreading false information.”

The statement came after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken told CBS in an interview that China is now “considering providing lethal support” to Moscow ranging “from ammunition to the weapons themselves.”

He made similar comments in a series of interviews from Germany, where on Saturday he attended the Munich Security Conference and met his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi.

Blinken’s accusations came as relations between the two powers soured after Washington shot down what it said was a Chinese spy balloon.

There have been concerns that China is deepening ties with Russia despite the conflict – but Wang Yi said Beijing is playing a constructive role, and has stood firmly on the side of dialogue.

“We do not accept finger pointing at the United States on Sino-Russian relations, let alone coercion and pressure,” said spokesman Wang Wenbin.

“China’s attitude on the Ukraine issue can be summed up in one sentence: urging peace and promoting dialogue,” he said.