The Russo-Ukrainian War is increasing international conflict and political tensions around the world. Currently, China is considering providing lethal aid and weaponry to Russia.
Russia illegally attacked and invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022. Secretary of Defense, Lloyd J. Austin III, considers the event to have been a “direct attack on the rules-based international order that keeps us all safe and secure.”
Since the invasion of Ukraine, the U.S. has provided support and aid to Ukraine as it defends against Russia. According to the Council on Foreign Relations, the U.S. has sent over $76.8 billion in aid to Ukraine.
Ukraine has become the top recipient of U.S. foreign aid supported by the Biden administration. The aid supplied includes humanitarian, financial, and military support. Over 60% of the aid provided to Ukraine has been military-related, including infantry arms and equipment, artillery, surveillance drones, armored tanks, ground support vehicles, and satellite services.
The U.S. Department of Defense is focusing on supplying Ukraine with the equipment, skills, and artillery it needs to defend itself from Russian invasion.
In a fact sheet from the Department of State’s Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, it is stated that the U.S. expresses unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
U.S. government officials have stated there are indications that China is considering providing lethal aid to Russia. This aid could consist of military artillery, furthering the international conflict. There is no evidence that China has provided arms or has decided to provide arms to Russia, however, it is still being discussed among Chinese leaders.
American officials are discouraging China from supplying Russia with arms that could be used to further fuel the Russo-Ukrainian conflict. The U.S. and other countries have implemented sanctions against Russia, isolating Russia from many aspects of the international economy.
The U.S. has threatened China with sanctions to discourage the country from providing lethal aid to Russia. This increases the already high tensions between the U.S. and China, due to the Chinese spy balloon that was shot down by the U.S. Air Force on Feb. 4, and the sale of an estimated $1.1 billion in U.S. weapons to be sold to Taiwan.
If China were to provide weapons to Russia, it would counter its previously claimed position on the Russo-Ukrainian conflict. On Oct. 10, 2022, China’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, Mao Ning, stated that “We hope all parties will properly address their differences through dialogue and consultation. China stands ready to continue to play a constructive part in de-escalation efforts.”
If Russia received advanced Chinese military weapons and machines, including artillery shells and attack drones, international tensions would be greatly increased. Department of Defense Press Secretary, General Patrick S. Ryder, stated that the supply of lethal aid to Russia “will extend this conflict needlessly.”
Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of the Treasury, Wally Adeyemo, stated that sanctions and export controls have “degraded Russia’s ability to replace more than 9,000 pieces of military equipment lost since the start of the war, forced production shutdowns at key defense facilities, and caused shortages of essential components for tanks and aircraft production.”
Secretary of the U.S. Department of the Treasury, Janet L. Yellen, stated that “we will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes.”
The war in Ukraine is causing increased cooperation between China and Russia. Economically, trade has accelerated between the two countries, especially in food and energy. Russian crude oil exports to China have increased by over 8% in the last year.
By increasing trade relations with China, Russia has been able to combat the sanctions imposed by many countries internationally.
Chinese Foreign Minister, Qin Gang, stated that “China-Russia relations have maintained sound and steady development, setting a new paradigm for a new type of major-country relationship.” Gang said, “China supports all efforts conducive to the peaceful settlement of the crisis and will continue to play a constructive role in this regard.”
China and Russia released a joint statement on Feb. 4, 2022 that discussed international relations. As stated in the Joint Statement of the Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of China on the International Relations Entering a New Era and the Global Sustainable Development, “the world is going through some momentous changes, and humanity is entering a new era of rapid development and profound transformation.” It stated, “a trend has emerged towards redistribution of power in the world.”
The statement challenged the Western view of the world, as well as the current state of international relations. Russia and China referenced their relationship as a comprehensive strategic partnership.
The authoritarian countries, China and Russia, pledged to support each country’s core interests. This support includes interests such as Russia’s interest in Ukraine and China’s interest in Taiwan.
At a recent press conference, Chinese Foreign Minister, Qin Gang, asked “Why does the U.S. ask China not to provide weapons to Russia, while it keeps selling arms to Taiwan?”
Due to China’s interest in Taiwan and the rising threat of attack, the U.S. has more than quadrupled the number of troops deployed to Taiwan. The goal of the increased number of troops is to provide Taiwan with the capabilities it needs to defend itself, without provoking an attack from China.
The U.S. and the Philippines announced on Feb. 2 a military agreement expanding upon the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement created in 2014. The signing of the military agreement allows the U.S. to access four additional military bases located in the Philippines, in exchange for the U.S. to fund $82 million of infrastructure investments in the bases located in the Philippines.
The U.S. now has access to nine base sites in the Philippines, which increases the U.S.’s ability to respond to regional and international threats. This is a direct response to increasing international tensions, partly influenced by the expanding overseas military presence of China.
Noah Smith, LHU Junior Health Science major, referenced the increasing international political tensions, stating that “it does affect me, it does impact my life, and it’s definitely on my mind.” Smith is concerned for his best friend, and other loved ones, who are active members of the U.S. military during this time of international conflict.
Smith, as well as many others across the world, are concerned by the current international political tensions and how they might affect the future. Smith asked, “How would it affect my future? How would it affect the future of my potential children? How would it affect the idea of having a family?”
Cleia Stern
Cleia Stern is a first-year pursuing an undergraduate in Exploratory Studies. She is a staff writer for the Eagle Eye. Cleia holds the 2022 GOODE Waterski National Overall Champion title, as well as multiple regional and state titles. Cleia’s passions include water-skiing, tennis, and weightlifting. Aside from her athletic achievements, Cleia hopes to pursue writing into the professional setting with dreams of publishing a collection of poems.
