The European Union is considering imposing sanctions against China because the country first supplied weapons to Russia for use against Ukraine, UNN reports, citing F.A.Z.
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Three F.A.Z. sources said it has been confirmed that EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrel informed EU states of the relevant intelligence findings ahead of a meeting of foreign ministers next Monday and called for consequences. The evidence was “convincing” and demonstrated “the provision of lethal support”, a senior EU diplomat said on Friday.
“Now we have to look at the whole set of tools,” the diplomat said, ”that the EU has at its disposal, including new lists that lead to bans on doing business with Chinese companies, asset freezes and entry bans. “But you also need to talk directly to China and let them know, 'You've always said you want to be neutral. You are not neutral.” China is also not committed to peace: “You are feeding the beast.” Another source said Europe's reaction depends on how China reacts to the findings. The sanctions debate is still in its early stages.
The sources did not wish to go into details of the intelligence findings. However, a senior diplomat referred to “very serious” reports by the Reuters news agency. In late September, it was exclusively reported that a subsidiary of Russian state arms company Almaz-Antey called Kupol had developed and tested a new long-range combat drone in China and wanted to establish mass production there to use the drones in the war against Ukraine. This was done with the participation of Chinese experts.
It is unclear whether this happened with the knowledge of the Chinese government. A senior EU official said they had no clear evidence of this and had contacted the Chinese authorities about it. He added: “It is hard to imagine something like this happening and the Chinese government knew nothing about it.