The US warns when Russia and China strengthen relations

(Dan Tri) – US defense officials are concerned about the deepening cooperation between Russia and China.

US Assistant Secretary of Defense in charge of Indo-Pacific security Ely Ratner (Photo: Reuters).

On May 16, in an online exchange with Major General Li Bin, head of the International Military Cooperation office of the Chinese Central Military Commission, US Assistant Secretary of Defense in charge of Indian security

`Mr. Ratner expressed deep concern about China’s support for Russia’s defense industry, which could facilitate Russia’s war with Ukraine,` the US Department of Defense said.

In addition, during the conversation, Mr. Ratner also mentioned a number of issues such as the current tense situation in the East Sea or the relationship between Russia and North Korea.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin enjoy tea in Beijing (Photo: AFP).

This exchange took place in the context of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s two-day visit to China.

On this occasion, the two leaders signed and issued a joint statement on deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries in the new era.

That cooperation includes expanding the scope of joint military exercises, scheduling regular joint air and sea patrols, and strengthening coordination in bilateral and multilateral frameworks.

US State Department spokesman Vedant Patel said that China cannot both improve relations with the West and support Russia.

`China cannot choose both. They cannot want better relations with Europe and other countries and at the same time fuel the biggest threat to European security for a long time.`

US officials said that China’s support for Russia `not only threatens Ukrainian security, but also European security`.

Washington accuses Beijing of helping Russia carry out its largest military expansion since the Soviet Union amid Russia’s military campaign in Ukraine.

Accordingly, US officials believe that China is helping Russia in a range of areas including the joint production of drones, space operations capabilities and the export of important machinery to produce missiles.

China and Russia affirm that the relationship between the two countries is not aimed against any country.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin yesterday issued a joint statement emphasizing: `Stability and development in China-Russia relations not only serve the fundamental interests of both countries and