The US mulls tough sanctions to curb China’s support for the Russian military.
Media reports say the US is drafting penalties to potentially cut off select Chinese banks from the global financial system in a bid to stop Beijing’s commercial backing for Moscow’s defense industry.
As per sources cited by a leading daily, Washington hopes this potent punitive step can dent Sino-Russian trade and hamper Russia’s military rebuilding post losses in Ukraine.
This comes ahead of Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s visit to China later this week, during which tackling Beijing’s backing for Russian weaponry manufacturing is expected to feature prominently in engagements.
In recent weeks, US officials have intensified their warnings that steps may be initiated against Chinese financial institutions that facilitate commerce in both civilian and military goods.
Blinken had last week criticized China’s role as the primary provider of critical components propping up Russia’s military involvement in Ukraine through its industrial assistance.
Observers say with geopolitical faultlines deepening, US-China talks this week will assume significance in addressing disagreements around cooperation between the Asian giants and Moscow.
