US to keep 'careful eye' on China's support for Russia amid Ukraine war

United States State Department will closely monitor level of support offered by China towards Russia in wake of "unprovoked" war in Ukraine. As colossal conflict stepped to day 55, US State Department spokesperson Ned Price on Monday also directed a veiled warned to Beijing against helping Russia, saying that re will be "strong consequences" if China provides weapons to Russia for its operation in Ukraine. Price also underscored that China must steer clear of helping Moscow eve sanctions imposed by West given its operations in Ukraine.

"We are going to continue to keep a careful eye, a careful watch on level of support People's Republic of China exhibits towards Russia," US State Department spokesperson Ned Price said in an interview with CNN.

Price's remarks come amid reports of China looking for ways to help Russia have emerged in past months. Furr, it is a time when Moscow is seeking to soften impact of West-led ecomic sanctions with Russian President Vlimir Putin has said that he "will redirect" its energy exports elsewhere. China at this point seems a perfect alternative "rapidly growing market" Putin indicated after bilateral tre between both nations surged in first quarter of this year by 28%, as per Chinese customs data. After Russian invasion, overall tre between Beijing and Moscow rose over 12% compared to last year at same time.

China alone in 2021 accounted for 18% of Russian overall tre, approximately $147 billion. A week before February 24, when Russia launched its "premeditated" attack on Ukraine, China and Moscow h agreed on a new goal deal from Russia worth $20 billion. two countries are also under a 30-year agreement to build a new gas pipeline (Power of Siberia 2) worth $400 billion, first one of which is operational since 2019.

US wants Ukraine 'to win this fight'

Despite China's neutrality over Ukraine war, it is believed to be inclined towards Russia due to its common angst against US, according to experts. Meanwhile, Washington, ting Russia's escalated aggression, has expedited its military assistance to embattled nation. Over weekend, US sent four planes with military assistance with ar one on Monday, White House spokesperson Jen Psaki said on Monday. packs are part of $800 million military aid that Biden anunced last week. "We want Ukraine to win this fight (against Russia) and we are doing everything we can here," Pentagon spokesperson John Kirby told CNN.

(Im: AP)