China warns of ‘humanitarian problems’ after US approval of cluster bombs for Ukraine

China warned on Monday that the “irresponsible transfer” of cluster munitions could lead to “humanitarian problems,” after the United States approved the shipment of the weapons to Ukraine.

Washington’s decision drew “widespread attention from the international community, with many countries expressing opposition,” Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said.

For the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.

But she stopped short of condemning the approval outright, instead noting that “the irresponsible transfer of cluster munitions can lead to humanitarian problems.”

“We should fairly manage humanitarian concerns and legitimate military and security needs, and maintain a prudent and restrained attitude towards the transfer of cluster munitions,” she added.

Humanitarian groups have strongly condemned the US decision to supply cluster munitions, which are banned across a large part of the world and can go undetonated, potentially endangering civilians for years to come.

Neither China nor the United States are signatories to the Convention on Cluster Munitions, which prohibits the use of the weapons. Russia also has not signed the treaty, and its own use of cluster bombs in Ukraine has drawn criticism.

While China says it is a neutral party in the Ukraine conflict, it has been criticized for refusing to condemn Moscow for its offensive.

Read more:

Germany should not ‘block’ US sending cluster munitions to Ukraine: President
US Democrat lawmakers raise concerns on sending cluster bombs to Ukraine
Cluster bombs will not be used in Russia, only to de-occupy Ukraine: Defense minister