FAZ learns EU may impose sanctions on China over aid to Russia

The EU is set to impose sanctions on CHINA over suspicions that it has supplied weapons to Russia for use in military operations, German newspaper FAZ reported, citing sources.

According to them, the EU's top diplomat, Josep Borrell, briefed EU members on the intelligence findings ahead of a meeting of foreign ministers on Monday, November 18, and called for a response. The evidence of China's support for Russia was "compelling" and showed "lethal support being provided."

One of the sources said the EU's reaction would depend on China's position on the disclosure of the data. Discussions on restrictions are at an early stage.

One of the sources of the information was reportedly REUTERS reporting on the matter . It reported in September, citing sources, that Russia had set up a project in China to develop and produce long-range attack drones.

In April, Reuters reported, citing sources, that China was supporting Russia's military efforts in Ukraine by providing Moscow with drone and missile technology, satellite imagery and weapons-making machines.

In response, the US Embassy in China stated that the country does not supply weapons to either side of the conflict and does not participate in it in any way, but is only trying to play a “constructive role in facilitating a political settlement.”

On November 15, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov responded to Western media reports that China was allegedly unhappy with Russia's cooperation with the DPRK. According to the minister, this is an attempt to drive a wedge into relations between Moscow and Beijing. Lavrov added that Western countries need to "finish the story around Ukraine, meet some of Russia's legal demands, and then use Russia in a coalition against China."

Russia and the DPRK signed a comprehensive strategic partnership treaty this year. Article 4 of the agreement stipulates that “if one of the parties finds itself in a state of war due to an armed attack by one or more states, the other party will immediately provide it with military assistance by all means at its disposal.” The Russian Foreign Ministry said it reflected an “exclusively defensive position,”

Read RBC on TELEGRAM .