Sullivan slapped the British Defense Minister: You said that China provided "lethal assistance" to Russia, but I didn't see it

(Text/Observer Wang Qiqian) On May 22, local time, British Defense Secretary Shaps groundlessly discredited the issue of Sino Russian cooperation, claiming that "there is evidence" that China provides "lethal assistance" to Russia. However, this statement was quickly refuted by White House National Security Advisor Sullivan, who said that the United States "did not see" relevant evidence. The spokesman of the Chinese Embassy in the UK also refuted and pointed out that the relevant remarks of British politicians were "totally groundless".

According to the Financial Times and Reuters, Sharps made the above statement at a defense conference held in London.

Sharps claimed that China, Russia, Iran and other countries are "conducting more and more cooperation". "Today I can reveal that we have evidence that China and Russia are cooperating in the production of combat equipment for the battlefield in Ukraine, and China has provided or will provide lethal assistance to Russia.".

He did not provide further evidence to support his claim, nor did he say what he meant by "lethal assistance". He only said that since the beginning of the Russian Ukrainian conflict, trade between China and Russia has increased sharply and high-level exchanges have been frequent, indicating that the two countries are "fighting and covering each other". He also claimed that the world needs to "awaken" to recognize the growing threat to the West.

Sharps added that he would propose that member countries increase defense spending to 2.5% at the NATO summit held in the United States in July this year. The Daily Telegraph of Britain said that the current NATO standard is 2%, but only 11 of the 32 member countries reached this goal last year.

British Defense Minister Sharps attended the defense conference in London on the 22nd, as shown in the British media Daily Telegraph

However, Sharps' above statement was quickly refuted by White House National Security Advisor Sullivan.

When asked about Shaps' latest remarks on China and Russia, Sullivan replied later that day: "So far, we have not seen (relevant evidence). I look forward to dialogue with the UK to ensure that we have a common response plan."

The Financial Times mentioned that the United States had previously accused China of providing technical support to Russia, but did not say that China directly provided weapons to Russia. At the end of April, US Secretary of State Blinken said during his visit to China that there was no indication that China was sending weapons to Russia.

According to the website of the Chinese Embassy in Britain, on May 23, when a reporter sought to comment on Sharps' comments, the spokesman of the Chinese Embassy in Britain pointed out that the comments made by British politicians were completely groundless.

The spokesman said that on the Ukrainian issue, China has always adhered to an objective and fair position, actively promoted peace and talks, and promoted a political solution. In terms of military exports, China has always taken a cautious and responsible attitude, and has always controlled the export of dual-use items in accordance with laws and regulations.

The spokesman said: "We advise the British side to stop blaming China for no reason, stop adding fuel to the fire on the Ukrainian issue, seriously reflect on its role in international peace and security, and really do something for world peace and justice."

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