US officials told the Financial Times and The Washington Post over the weekend that Russia had requested specific military equipment and additional assistance from China in the course of their invasion of Ukraine. China and Russia have both denied the reports.
Russia has encountered strong resistance throughout military invasion of Ukraine and has not been able to quickly overwhelm Ukrainian defences. As Russia’s invasion becomes protracted, some US officials believe there are signs that Russia is running out of certain types of weaponry. Russia has reportedly turned to China to seek replenishment. However, US officials declined to provide specific details on the type of equipment being requested.
Russia’s approach to China in such a delicate moment indicates the increasing strength of the relationship between the two countries. The relationship, described by Chinese Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, as "rock solid" and by China's president, Xi Jinping, as "without limits" was formed partly through mutual distrust of the west and opposition to NATO.
China, which some observers say may be tempted to pursue a similar path to Russia with regards to Taiwan, is wary of the strong response by Western nations. Beijing has declared it is opposed to sanctions against Russia, and against western military aid to Ukraine. Nevertheless, the reported request highlights the nature of the relationship between the two countries. Chris Johnson, head of China Strategies Group, said China is now “the clear senior partner in the relationship”.
China has denied the reports of Russia’s request. China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Zhao Lijian, stated indirectly that the claims were “disinformation” while repeating China’s objection to “unilateral sanctions”. Kremlin spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, similarly denied the claims saying “Russia possesses its own independent potential to continue the operation. As we said, it is going according to plan and will be completed on time and in full.”
Senior officials from the US and China met in Rome today (14 March). US National Security Adviser, Jake Sullivan, ahead of the talks, warned China not to help Russia in evading Western sanctions. Neither party is yet to comment on the details of the meeting.
