US Officials ‘Confident’ China Considering Sending Russia Weaponry

U.S. Intelligence is concerned that China is considering sending Russia lethal aid to be used on the battlefield in Ukraine.

The Details: CIA Director William Burns told CBS News in a sit-down interview that the CIA believes China is considering supplying Russia with weapons to be used in Ukraine. His comments come just a week after Secretary of State Anthony Blinken warned Chinese officials not to supply such aid. Burns emphasized that the CIA doesn’t believe a “final decision has been made yet”, and they have not seen “evidence of actual shipments.”

For Context: The reports come as both Russia and Ukraine have been working in overdrive to bolster their munitions supplies. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby told reporters Friday that the U.S. has recently determined that Iran has shipped artillery and tank rounds to Russia for use in Ukraine. Earlier this week, China proposed a ceasefire agreement that would end the war in Ukraine.

Key Quotes: Last weekend, retired Army General Jack Keane told Fox News he agrees with the Biden Administration’s statements and believes “exposing… what we think they are attempting to provide,” will deter China. Wang Wenbin, a spokesperson from China’s foreign ministry said on Monday “it is the U.S., not China, that has been pouring weapons into the battlefield,” and “China will continue to stay firm on the side of peace and dialogue”.

How The Media Covered It: Sources across the spectrum covered the U.S. intelligence reports similarly.