The US says China will face harsh "consequences" if it aids Russia in its invasion of Ukraine.
Unnamed officials have told multiple US news outlets that Russia asked China to provide military assistance after it began the invasion.
The Chinese embassy in Washington said it was not aware of this request.
The warning comes ahead of a meeting in Rome today between top US and China officials.
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The Taoiseach will travel to Washington DC this afternoon for a five day diplomatic trip to mark St Patrick's Day.
Micheál Martin will meet President Joe Biden on Thursday.
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Social Welfare recipients will see an additional payment in their weekly rate from this morning.
The government's one off Fuel Allowance payment of 125 Euro comes into effect today, with up to 372,000 recipients.
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Over 1.6 million euro a day was spent in pubs during February.
A new AIB survey shows it's an increase of 49 per cent compared to the previous month - as hospitality restrictions eased.
