CIA director says US is ‘confident’ China considering providing lethal equipment to assist Russia in war: CBS interview

CIA Director William Burns said the U.S. is “confident” that China is considering providing Russia with lethal equipment for its war against Ukraine.

“We’re confident that the Chinese leadership is considering the provision of lethal equipment,” he told CBS’ “Face the Nation” in an interview set to air on Sunday. “We also don’t see that a final decision has been made yet, and we don’t see evidence of actual shipments of lethal equipment.” 

Secretary of State Antony Blinken initially accused China last weekend of considering such a step, which several top U.S. officials warned would result in serious consequences. 

“That’s why, I think, Secretary Blinken and the President have thought it important to make very clear what the consequences of that would be as well … because it would be a very risky and unwise bet,” Burns added.

Retired four-star Army Gen. Jack Keane similarly suggested last Sunday that Blinken’s warning could serve as a deterrent.

“I agree with the administration for beginning to expose what they have picked up, likely in intelligence circles, that China is getting ready to provide some military lethal aid to Russia,” Keane told “Fox News Sunday.”