US Seeks Allies’ Backing for Possible Sanctions Against China over Ukraine War: Report

Reuters reported, citing four US officials and other sources, that the consultations were still in their early stages. The move is aimed at consolidating support for any potential restrictions, particularly to garner US support from the G7 nations.

However, it is unclear what sanctions the US is proposing. The White House and the US Treasury Department declined to comment on the matter.

Senior US officials have recently said they are “hopeful” China will consider supplying Moscow with weapons, despite a diplomatic pressure campaign to dissuade it from doing so.
The US has warned China against any arms supply, including meetings between Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping and a meeting between US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken and top Chinese diplomat Wang Yi.

The report said the Biden administration’s initial moves to counter China’s support for Russia included informal outreach at staff and diplomatic levels, including in the Treasury Department.

In recent weeks, U.S. officials have launched a broad diplomatic offensive to warn China against providing such deadly aid — a move that could have a profound effect on Ukraine as it enters its second year.

The war has put Beijing in a bad spot. Its diplomatic and economic ties with Moscow have strengthened over the past year, putting it at odds with the US and a broader international coalition supporting Ukraine.

China has refrained from condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and on Friday it presented a 12-point proposal calling for dialogue between the warring parties, respect for territorial integrity and banning the use of nuclear weapons.

China last week issued a 12-point statement calling for a comprehensive ceasefire, which was met with skepticism in the West.