US warns China not to supply lethal weapons to Russia

WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) — Lawmakers are sounding alarm bells after the CIA confirmed China may be considering sending deadly weapons to Russia.

This warning by the Biden administration comes ahead of talks between the two countries. On Tuesday, the Pentagon said China had not yet taken the option off the table.

“Let’s not forget the consequences of doing so, which will unnecessarily escalate this conflict and cause more innocent lives to be lost,” said the Air Force Brigadier General. General Patrick Ryder said. “It’s something we monitor closely.”

At a hearing focused on China’s economic threat, Rep. Michael McCall (R-Texas) said the US must work to curb Chinese aggression.

“We are living in one of the most dangerous times in a generation in American foreign policy,” he said.

A senior US State Department official, Daniel Krittenbrink, told lawmakers that China’s interest in helping Russia is not new and has been helping China since the war in Ukraine began more than a year ago. He said the current US goal is to stop China from helping more.

“If China were to provide lethal assistance, the secretary made very clear the consequences and implications,” Krytenbrink said.

The State Department has not revealed exactly what the outcome of these will be, but a Commerce Department official said it has already penalized more than a dozen Chinese companies for aiding Russia.

Commerce Undersecretary Alan Estevez said, “We are looking at all third parties, especially China.”

The Chinese government has denied that it is considering sending lethal weapons to Russia, insisting that the goal of next week’s talks with senior Russian officials is to promote peace.