Moscow and Beijing Reject Washington’s Warnings
The Kremlin has called recent remarks by U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen “blackmail” after she warned that the United States would not tolerate China increasing its exports of “dual-use” goods to Russia.
Dual-use goods are items that can be used for both civilian and military purposes. Yellen also stated that Washington would respond with sanctions if China continued these exports.
Moscow and Beijing Stand Together
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov condemned Yellen’s comments, describing Washington’s tone as completely unacceptable. He emphasized that Russia stands in solidarity with China, noting that Beijing does not accept such threats or blackmail.
“We are well aware that our Chinese comrades do not accept such language, do not accept such messages and such threats, such blackmail,” Peskov told reporters.
The U.S. has accused China of supplying Russia with critical materials that are helping fuel its war effort in Ukraine. Secretary of State Antony Blinken highlighted that China is the top supplier of machine tools, microelectronics, and nitrocellulose, which are essential for making munitions and rocket propellants. These dual-use items are believed to be bolstering Russia’s defense industry.
Yellen’s Clear Warning
Yellen expressed her concerns on Tuesday, noting an increase in Chinese exports of dual-use goods. She made it clear that the U.S. Treasury is closely monitoring this situation and intends to impose sanctions on any such activities.
“I have been extremely clear at the highest levels of the Chinese government that this is something we will not tolerate, and that we intend to sanction this activity,” Yellen said.
Economic Power and Diplomatic Tensions
Peskov responded by highlighting China’s significant economic influence globally, suggesting that even the United States should be cautious in its approach. He implied that not all American leaders fully grasp this reality yet but expressed confidence that they would understand it over time.
“China’s economic power in the world is such that even the United States can hardly afford to speak in such a tone. Perhaps not everyone in America’s leadership has understood this at the moment, but over time they will understand it,” Peskov stated.
Rising Trade Between Russia and China
Since the start of the Ukraine war, Russia and China have significantly increased their bilateral trade. With Western sanctions hitting Russian commerce hard, trade between the two countries surged to $240.1 billion in 2023, marking a 26% increase from the previous year.
The tensions between the U.S., Russia, and China are escalating, with the Kremlin and Beijing rejecting what they see as Washington’s aggressive rhetoric. The growing trade relationship between Russia and China amidst these tensions further complicates the global political landscape.
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