EU warns China of ‘consequences’ if it’s found to be making armed drones for Russia
European Union foreign ministers are discussing intelligence showing drones are being produced for the Russian military in Xinjiang
Several diplomatic sources described the intelligence as “conclusive”, “convincing” and “credible” on Friday.
“We say clearly to supporters of this brutal war of aggression on Ukraine: it concerns our own core security interests … we’re introducing further sanctions on Iran and also making this clear with regard to Chinese drone aid, because this too must and will have consequences,” said German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock upon arriving at the ministers’ meeting in Brussels on Monday.
China’s foreign ministry strongly denied the reports. At a press conference in Beijing on Monday, spokesman Lin Jian pointed to the country’s “strict controls” on the export of military drones.
“We have never offered lethal weapons to any parties concerned … we hope people will not make presumptions concerning China without presenting any evidence based on facts,” Lin said.
