The United States is considering imposing sanctions on China if the nation provides military support to Russia.
The US is considering sanctions against China
Sources claim that Washington is sounding out allies about the possibility of taking action against Beijing if it aids Moscow in the war with Ukraine.
The consultations are still at an early stage and are intended to acquire support from a range of countries to coordinate support for possible restrictions.
It is not clear what sanctions Washington plans to impose and the US Treasury Department - a lead agency on the restrictions - has declined to comment on the reports.
The US and its allies have stated in recent weeks that China was planning to supply weapons to Russia but aides to President Joe Biden are yet to provide any public evidence.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken recently warned Beijing that there would be "consequences" if assistance was given to Russia.
Blinken suggested that Chinese companies have already been providing "non-lethal support" for Moscow and fears that the situation could escalate.
He said last month: "To date, we have seen Chinese companies... provide non-lethal support to Russia for use in Ukraine. The concern that we have now is based on information we have that they're considering providing lethal support."
Chinese President Xi Jinping is an ally of Russian leader Vladimir Putin and hasn't condemned the invasion of Ukraine but has sought to remain neutral in the conflict and has called for peace.
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