US, China aides to meet as tensions mount over Russia

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. and China are sending top aides to meet in Rome on Monday as tensions between the two countries mount over the Russia-Ukraine war and worries spread that the conflict will take even darker turns. A U.S. official who spoke on condition of anonymity says that Russia has asked China for military equipment to help press its campaign. In advance of the talks, White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan bluntly warned China to avoid helping Russia evade punishment from global sanctions that have hammered the Russian economy. He says the U.S “will not allow that.” U.S. officials also accuse China of spreading Russian disinformation.