Tensions flared between the United States and China at the United Nations Security Council meeting on Friday, as Washington accused Beijing of aiding Russia’s war in Ukraine through the export of dual-use goods, while China refuted the claims and warned against confrontation.

Acting US Ambassador to the UN, Dorothy Shea, urged countries, specifically naming China, to halt exports that contribute to Russia’s military capabilities, including components found in drones and missiles used against Ukraine.

“Beijing’s claim to have implemented strong export controls on dual-use goods falls apart in the face of daily recovery of Chinese-produced components in the drones, weapons, and vehicles that Russia uses against Ukraine,” Shea told the 15-member Security Council.

She emphasised that the continued flow of such goods to Russia helps its missile and drone attacks, and undermines global efforts to curb the conflict. “If China is sincere in calling for peace, it should stop fuelling Russia’s aggression,” Shea added.

China, in turn, pushed back strongly against the accusations. China’s deputy UN Ambassador Geng Shuang defended Beijing’s stance, asserting that China has maintained strict controls and has not contributed weapons to the conflict.

“China did not start the war in Ukraine, is not a party to the conflict, has never provided lethal weapons, and has always ‘strictly controlled dual-use materials, including the export of drones,’” Geng responded.

He also criticised the US for deflecting responsibility, saying, “We urge the US to stop shifting blame on the Ukraine issue or creating confrontation and instead play a more constructive role in promoting ceasefire and peace talks.”

Earlier, an investigation by news agency Reuters revealed that Chinese-made engines have been secretly routed to a Russian state-owned drone manufacturer under the guise of “industrial refrigeration units” in an attempt to bypass Western sanctions.

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With inputs from Reuters