During his visit to China, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken raised concerns about Russia’s support in the war against Ukraine. He warned that Russia would struggle to sustain its attacks on Ukraine without Beijing’s backing. Blinken emphasized that China could improve its relations with the US and the EU if it stops providing critical components, such as machine tools, microelectronics, and optics, which are used to produce munitions.
Blinken also addressed the relationship between China and Iran. He urged Beijing to use its influence to prevent Tehran and its proxies from escalating conflicts in the Middle East. Meanwhile, Russia and Iran are strengthening their military cooperation, as evidenced by a meeting between their defense ministers in Astana. The Iranian defense minister thanked Russia for its support during an attack on an Iranian consulate in Damascus. This meeting further solidified the deepening and expanding relations between Moscow and Tehran.
The international dynamics between Russia, China, Iran, and the US are complex and evolving, with implications for global security and stability. Blinken warned that China’s support for Russia’s aggression in Ukraine poses a threat not only to Europe but also fuels the biggest security threat to the region since the end of the Cold War. He mentioned that the US has already taken actions against Chinese entities involved in this conflict and that further actions could be taken if China does not change course.
