During his visit this week, Blinken will caution China about its backing of Russia's military.

• During his visit to China this week, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken will caution against China's backing of Russia's military, according to a senior official from the U.S. State Department.
• He will convey Washington's "deep concerns" over this matter in Shanghai and Beijing from April 24-26.
• Blinken is set to visit China for the second time since his diplomatic mission to ease tensions between the US and China in June 2020. He will meet with senior Chinese officials, including Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

During his visit to China this week, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken will caution against China's backing of Russia's military, as stated by a senior State Department official.

During his three-day visit starting Wednesday, Blinken is expected to convey Washington's "deep concerns" about China's aid for Russia's defense industrial base.

The official stated that we are ready to take action against firms that severely compromise security in both Ukraine and Europe, before Blinken's trip.

"He stated that our willingness to cooperate with firms from various countries, not just China, has been demonstrated. He added that this issue will be a crucial topic of discussion during their time in Beijing."

The official stated that U.S. allies in Europe are worried about the impact of Beijing's support for Russia's war in Ukraine on European security and that it will be up to China to decide its next course of action.

Blinken will make his second visit to China in June last year, following a high-stakes diplomatic mission to ease tensions between the US and China.

Blinken is scheduled to encounter senior Chinese officials, including Foreign Minister Wang Yi, during his trip to Beijing and Shanghai, as per the State Department. However, it is uncertain if the Secretary of State will have the opportunity to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping.

China fueling threat to European security

Last week, Blinken stated that China is the "primary contributor" to Russia's defense industrial base, after the G7 foreign ministers meeting in Italy.

"China has been providing machine tools, semiconductors, and other dual-use items to Russia, which has helped the country rebuild its defense industrial base despite sanctions and export controls," he stated.

"If China claims to desire good relations with Europe and other nations, it cannot simultaneously contribute to the greatest threat to European security since the end of the Cold War."

According to a CNBC analysis, Russia's struggling economy and military capabilities are being supported by Chinese firms through the trade of goods for use on the battlefield in Ukraine.

Last year's data indicated that Beijing was supplying militarily useful equipment, such as drones, helmets, vests, and radios, to President Putin's war against Ukraine, providing him with a lifeline.

The senior official stated that Blinken will discuss a range of issues, including the crisis in the Middle East and China's provocations in the South China Sea.

Beijing asserts almost complete control over the South China Sea and has been involved in territorial disputes with several Southeast Asian countries, including the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam. The country has previously cautioned the US against meddling in its territorial and maritime rights.

The two countries are still competing for technological dominance, and recently, China criticized the U.S. investigation of its maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding sectors, labeling it a "mistake upon a mistake."

Washington is aware that Blinken's visit will not resolve all key issues, as pointed out by the senior U.S official.

He stated that we are realistic and clear-eyed about the prospects of breakthroughs on any of these issues.

"We will continue to employ diplomacy to convey our views and strategies, dispel misunderstandings, and emphasize our commitment to safeguarding our national security and economic interests."