The US issued a sharp warning to China on Monday, telling Beijing it wouldlikely face “consequences” if it materially supports Russia’s war againstUkraine.

A senior Defense Department official who briefed reporters on condition ofanonymity did not specify what the consequences from the Bidenadministration would be, but said Washington would be watching “very, veryclosely” for any potential material support.

“We have seen China basically give tacit approval to what Russia is doingby refusing to join sanctions, by blaming the West and the United Statesfor the assistance we’ve given Ukraine, by claiming they wanted to see apeaceful outcome but essentially doing nothing to achieve it,” the officialsaid.

“Again, we’ll watch this closely, but I don’t have anything specific tospeak to with this, to actual material support,” he added.

The official declined to specify what sort of consequences are beingconsidered.

The comments come after multiple reports over the weekend that cited ananonymous US official who said Russia has asked China for military andeconomic aid. Russia and China have denied the reports.

Russia’s war against Ukraine, which began on Feb. 24, has drawninternational condemnation, led to financial sanctions on Moscow, andspurred an exodus of global firms from Russia.

At least 596 civilians have been killed and 1,067 injured in Ukraine sincethe beginning of the war, according to the UN. It has warned, however, thatthe true toll is likely much higher as it not been able to gain access toareas of increased hostilities.

Some 2.8 million people have also fled to neighboring countries, said theUN refugee agency.