WASHINGTON: The United States has determined that some Chinese companies are providing non-lethal assistance to Russia for use in the Ukraine war and officials are noting their concern to the Chinese government, a source familiar with the matter said on Tuesday .
US officials view the current activity as concerning and believe it is"a significantly scaled-down version of the PRC’s initial plan, which was to sell lethal weapons systems for use on the battlefield", the source said.US officials are reaching out to Chinese authorities through diplomatic channels, the source said.
US State Department spokesperson Ned Price said Washington has been very clear with China about the implications of providing material to support Russia's war in Ukraine, though he declined to confirm Tuesday's reports.