China condemned on Tuesday as “groundless accusations” US claims that Beijing was fuelling the Ukraine war by supplying components to Russia which it uses for its military expansion.

China and Russia have ramped up economic cooperation and diplomatic contacts in recent years and their strategic partnership has only grown closer since the invasion of Ukraine.

Beijing says it is a neutral party in the Ukraine conflict but has been criticised for refusing to condemn Moscow for its offensive.

And ahead of a planned visit to Beijing by top diplomat Antony Blinken this week, the United States had accused China of helping Russia carry out its biggest militarisation since Soviet times.

Following a G7 ministers meeting in Capri last week, Blinken said: “when it comes to Russia’s defence industrial base, the primary contributor in this moment to that is China,” adding that this is “allowing Russia to continue the aggression against Ukraine”.

In response, China on Tuesday furiously defended its right to “normal trade ties” with all countries, including Russia.

“The United States has unveiled a large-scale aid bill for Ukraine while also making groundless accusations against normal trade between China and Russia,” foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said.

“This kind of approach is extremely hypocritical and utterly irresponsible, and China is firmly opposed to it,” he said.

– Russian regroup –

US officials say China has stopped short of direct military assistance but has provided dual-use supplies that have let Russia regroup in the face of a long delay in US aid to Ukraine.

Blinken last week said this included “machine tools, semiconductors, other dual-use items that have helped Russia rebuild the defense industrial base that sanctions and export controls had done so much to degrade”.

The top US diplomat has pledged to raise the issue with Chinese officials in Beijing this week, as well as press them to use their leverage over Russia to help end the war.

Beijing has long denied claims it is aiding Russia’s fighting in Ukraine — and insisted it won’t accept “criticism or pressure” over its ties with Moscow.

“On the Ukraine issue, China has always maintained an objective and just position, advocated actively for peace talks and pushed for a political resolution,” Wang said Tuesday.

“China consistently implements regulations on the export of dual-use items,” he said.

“China is neither a creator nor party to the Ukraine crisis and has never thrown oil on the flames,” Wang said.

“We will not accept others passing the buck or shifting blame onto us,” he said.

In a bid to enhance efficiency within Nigeria’s power sector, the Federal Government has initiated the unbundling process for 11 electricity distribution companies (DisCos).

This move aims to streamline operations and bolster effectiveness within the sector, as highlighted by Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu.

Addressing the Senate Committee on Power in Abuja, Minister Adelabu emphasized the necessity of restructuring the DisCos into more manageable entities aligned along state lines.

He stressed the impracticality of current setups, citing examples such as the Ibadan Disco, which spans across seven states, hindering operational efficiency.

Also, Minister Adelabu disclosed the government’s intention to exercise its ownership rights in the DisCos, reclaiming management responsibilities to rectify operational shortcomings. He underscored the imperative of governmental intervention, citing past mismanagement by private sector operators.

In tandem with the unbundling initiative, the Federal Government has directed the sale of DisCos currently under the management of banks and the Assets Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON). Four DisCos, including Abuja, Benin, Kaduna, and Kano, are now under bank management due to loan repayment issues, signaling a broader need for industry-wide reform.

The Senate Committee on Power echoed concerns over DisCos’ inefficiencies, advocating for comprehensive overhauls to address longstanding performance deficits. Senator Danjuma Goje decried DisCos’ lackluster contributions to the power sector, labeling them as “complete failures.”

In response to mounting challenges, Minister Adelabu outlined key strategies to revitalize the sector, including stringent regulatory measures, franchise agreements, and accelerated completion of transmission projects. Additionally, efforts are underway to bridge the metering gap and expand renewable energy capacity to bolster the national grid.

Looking ahead, the Federal Government remains committed to realizing its vision of a robust and sustainable power sector, with plans underway to achieve a target of 6,000MW of power generation by the year’s end. As stakeholders collaborate to address systemic deficiencies, the trajectory of Nigeria’s power sector points towards a future marked by resilience and progress.

The Nigerian Army has swiftly acted on allegations of misconduct within its ranks, as it announces the immediate dismissal of two of its personnel implicated in a reported theft at the Dangote refinery in Lagos.

Director of Army Public Relations, Onyema Nwachukwu, affirmed this disciplinary action in a statement released on Monday.

Corporal Innocent Joseph and Lance Corporal Jacob Gani have been relieved of their duties and handed over to the police for further investigation.

“As a demonstration of NA’s zero-tolerance for misconduct and criminality within its ranks, the two soldiers have been dismissed from the NA with immediate effect and handed over to relevant authorities for further prosecution,” Nwachukwu stated.

Major General Nwachukwu outlined the charges against the soldiers, citing their abandonment of duty post and unauthorized possession of materials. He noted that they were summarily tried and found guilty in accordance with military laws.

“This decisive action underscores the NA’s resoluteness in maintaining its institutional integrity and reputation,” Nwachukwu added. “The NA reassures the general public of its dedication to upholding integrity, discipline, and accountability at all levels.”

“We remain resolute in our duty to protect and serve the nation with honor and dignity,” he concluded.