INTERNATIONAL: China's foreign ministry has said on Monday,March 14, assertions from U.S. officials that Russia has asked Beijing for military equipment for its campaign in Ukraine were "disinformation" from the United States. The comments came during a regular Chinese foreign ministry briefing in Beijing.

Russia has asked China for military equipment since its February 24 invasion of Ukraine, the Financial Times and Washington Post has reported on Sunday ,March 13, citing U.S. officials. The Washington Post has said the unidentified U.S. officials did not state the kind of weaponry that had been requested or how China had responded.

Russia, which calls its action in Ukraine a "special operation," and China have tightened cooperation as they have come under strong Western pressure over human rights and a raft of other issues. Beijing has not condemned Russia's attack and does not call it an invasion. It has also urged a negotiated solution to the conflict.