Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen on Friday said she did not feel the need for the United States to impose sanctions on China because of its cooperation with Russia.
"We would be very worried if they supply weapons to Russia, or try to circumvent the sanctions we have placed on the Russian financial system and the central bank," "we do not see that happening at this point." said Yellen.
The Treasury secretary's statement was issued during a meeting between NATO leaders warning China not to condone the war conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
The United States and its allies have for weeks warned Beijing that they will accept the consequences if found helping Russia by supplying weapons, alternative trade routes or in any way.
China has so far not fully condemned Russia's actions against Ukraine. U.S. officials has recently thrown out ‘accusations’ that Russia has asked for China’s military and economic assistance. This statement has been denied by China and Russia.
President Joe Biden last week threatened Chinese leader Xi Jinping with unspecified consequences if Beijing supported Moscow. While it is unclear how the White House wants to punish Beijing, there is a strong possibility that the U.S. will refer the Treasury Department to extend economic sanctions.
Yellen also noted that the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the Covid-19 outbreak have had an impact on the U.S. supply chain.
