White House disputes claims China's economic support may handicap Russian sanctions

The U.S. believes it has a technology and production advantage that will help limit any Chinese support for Russia in the event of economic sanctions.

"If you deny yourself the ability to import from the West – from Europe, from the U.S., from our allies and partners – you are going to significantly degrade your productive capacity and your innovative potential," the official added. "And Putin knows that." 

The U.S. has threatened to hit Russia with sanctions – both on the state itself and against individuals, including President Vladimir Putin – should it proceed to invade Ukraine.