US demands explanation from China over information on supply of helmets and body armor to Russia - CNN

CNN reports.

Joe Biden's administration recently raised concerns with China about the evidence it had that Chinese companies were selling non-lethal equipment to Russia for use in Ukraine, according to two unnamed senior US officials. The White House is currently trying to find out how much Beijing knows about these transactions.

US and European intelligence sources told CNN that equipment includes bulletproof vests and helmets, but does not include the more powerful military assistance that Russia has requested.

According to one of the American officials, the transfer of equipment to the Russian Federation is a cause for concern, but at this stage, it is not clear to Washington whether the central government knows about it. Some US officials believe the Chinese government is aware of equipment transfer and should take steps to stop supply.

The issue is expected to be discussed during Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit to China, which is due to start on February 5.

CNN emphasizes that if Biden’s administration learns that China's central government is deliberately providing aid to Russia, or knowingly allowing such aid, the United States will have to decide what its response should be.

Since the first days of Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine, US President Joe Biden's aides have repeatedly warned China of the consequences if Beijing decides to support Russia in the conflict.

• US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will visit Beijing on February 5-6 and meet with China's new Foreign Minister Qin Gang. Politico writes that war in Ukraine will be among the issues on the agenda.

• China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that they have high hopes for Antony Blinken's visit to Beijing.