Pentagon Downplays Reports Of Chinese Military Assistance To Russia

MNI London: Politico has published a report claiming to show customs data revealing the transfer of, "1,000 assault rifles and other equipment that could be used for military purposes, including drone parts and body armor," from Chinese govt affiliated companies to Russian companies between June and December 2022.

• Pentagon Press Secretary Pat Ryder told reporters a few minutes ago: "At this time we have not seen the transfer of any lethal assistance."
• Ryder says he is aware of "some press reports out there" discussing trade deals but that is "not unusual," and "as of right now we have not seen any transfer of military equipment from China to Russia for use on the battlefield."
• Politico: "Although the customs data does not show that Beijing is selling a large amount of weapons to Moscow specifically to aid its war effort, it reveals that China is supplying Russian companies with previously unreported “dual-use” equipment — commercial items that could also be used on the battlefield in Ukraine."
• Politico claims the data, "is the first confirmation that China is sending rifles and body armor to Russian companies" and comes as western official issue public and private warnings to Beijing over escalating assistance to Russia to include lethal aid.