US called out China for supporting Russia in Ukraine, says Pentagon
An American defence official also raised the issue of ‘harassment’ in the South China Sea with Beijing
A US Defence Department official highlighted “China’s support for Russia’s defence industrial base” and “aggressive PRC harassment” in the South China Sea as top concerns that he conveyed to Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun in a round of talks in Beijing last weekend.
“China’s support for Russia’s defence industrial base and the impact that support is having on European and transatlantic security” was among “a range of regional and global security issues” that Michael Chase, deputy assistant secretary of defence for issues relating to China, discussed with Dong, according to a statement released by the Pentagon on Monday.
He and his team “also reaffirmed the US commitment to defending its Indo-Pacific allies”, the Pentagon said.
“And the department emphasised the importance of respect for freedom of navigation as guaranteed under international law in light of ongoing aggressive [People’s Republic of China] harassment against lawfully operating Philippine vessels in the South China Sea,” it said.
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Philippines and China trade blame over confrontation in South China Sea
US President Joe Biden’s administration has been increasingly vocal about its assessment that Chinese companies are providing what Russia needs to continue its war against Ukraine, which has been grinding on for more than two and a half years.
