Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit to China on April 26, 2024, marked a significant moment in U.S.-China relations as he raised concerns over Beijing's support for Russia amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. During his meetings with Chinese officials and President Xi Jinping, Blinken emphasized the seriousness of the issue and urged China to cease its supply of critical components to Moscow.
According to various sources, China is a top supplier of machine tools, microelectronics, nitrocellulose, and other dual-use items that Russia is using to reconstitute its defense industrial base. Furthermore, a U.S.-sanctioned Russian cargo ship believed to be carrying North Korean munitions has sought refuge in Chinese ports.
Blinken's visit came after the U.S.'s efforts to maintain communications with China amid ongoing tensions over issues such as Taiwan and the South China Sea, as well as export bans on advanced tech. Despite these challenges, progress has been made in some areas of cooperation between the two powers.
For instance, since their Woodside summit last year, cooperation between the U.S. and China has advanced on fentanyl and other synthetic drugs. China has issued a public notice to industry regarding synthetic drugs production and taken enforcement action against some companies that produce precursors. The two countries have also set up a joint Counternarcotics Working Group to collaborate on policy making, law enforcement, and share technical expertise.
However, the U.S.'s concerns over China's support for Russia cast a shadow over their relationship. Blinken warned that Beijing cannot achieve better relations with Europe while supporting the greatest threat to European security since the end of the Cold War.
The Chinese government has responded by accusing Washington DC of making groundless accusations against normal economic and trade exchanges between China and Russia. Despite these disagreements, both sides have continued their efforts to maintain dialogue and diplomacy.
