Russia's ambassador to China, Igor Morgulov, told a Chinese state newspaper that attempts to divide the two nations will fail, as Beijing might explore options to arm Moscow.
Morgulov told the Global Times, "Anyone who has bad intentions and may try to break our friendship will not succeed." He said China and Russia were "good neighbors," and "as the Chinese proverb says: 'A near neighbor is better than a distant relative.'"
Russian state newspaper Tass reported Morgulov said the two nations "respect each other's interests and carry out mutually beneficial and close cooperations in all areas."
Morgulov's comments followed CIA Director Williams Burns warning that Beijing was considering arming Moscow. On Sunday, Burns clarified his stance on CBS, saying the decision wasn't final.
Beijing rejected U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken's claim that it was considering helping arm Russia. However, Der Spiegel reported last week that a Chinese drone maker was having discussions with Moscow for 100 "kamikaze drones."
According to Newsweek, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said it "does not provide any arms sales to conflict areas or warring parties."
Amid speculation of China's involvement in the Ukraine war, China published a 12-point peace proposal calling for a cease-fire and for Russian troops to remain in Ukrainian territory. It also called for an end to sanctions.
Steve Tsang, director of the China Institute at London's School of Oriental and African Studies, told Newsweek: "The language used suggests that the Chinese government largely supports Russia's position … it is therefore in general terms acceptable to Moscow, though the Chinese position that no nuclear threat should be made will not go down particularly well in Moscow."
According to Newsweek, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Moscow is giving "a great deal of attention" to Beijing's proposals.
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