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Biden warns of consequences if China helps Russia in Ukraine

The US president spent 110 minutes on the phone trying to convince the Chinese president not to help Russia with its campaign in Ukraine, which could determine the trajectory of the conflict.

Chinese state media reported, President Xi Jinping confirmed to US President Joe Biden that both countries have a responsibility to ensure peace and that “conflict and confrontation do not benefit anyone”. The statement seems to show that the Chinese leader does not want the conflict to escalate.

Biden warns of consequences if China helps Russia in Ukraine
US President Joe Biden (right) had an online video call with Chinese President Xi Jinping on March 18. Photo: White House

However, after the talks between the two heads of state ended on the evening of March 18 (Vietnam time), the White House said their concerns about the possibility of Chinese interference had not yet been eased.

“We have that concern. The President (Biden) detailed what the effects and consequences would be if China provided material support to Russia when it launched attacks on Ukrainian cities. That’s what we and the world will be watching,” White House press secretary Jen Psaki said.

Although she did not disclose what the possible consequences would be and how the US defines “material assistance”, Ms. Psaki hinted that China’s huge trade flows could be affected. Asked by a reporter whether China, the world’s largest exporter, would face tariffs or other sanctions if it supported Russia, Ms. Psaki said “sanctions are certain. is a tool”.

Senior US government officials described the new call between Mr Biden and Mr Xi as “frank”, “substantial” and “concrete”. However, they did not provide more details about this lengthy dialogue. An official said that most of the talks between the two leaders focused on the war in Ukraine and the impact of the crisis on US-China relations and “international order”.

According to CNN, one goal of Mr. Biden when speaking directly with Mr. Xi is to clearly define the Chinese leader’s position on the issue. Russia-Ukraine conflict. It is not yet clear whether the US president has achieved this goal.

The White House said Biden did not make any specific requests to Xi, choosing instead to offer a broader view of the international situation, while “emphasizing support for an international solution.” diplomacy for the crisis”.

“China has to decide for itself where it wants to stand and how it wants to be seen by history and its actions. It is President Xi’s decision,” Psaki noted.

At Biden’s request, US and Chinese officials will continue to hold talks in the coming days. Mr. Biden also plans to discuss with other Western leaders at next week’s NATO summit in Brussels, Belgium, China’s role, according to a White House statement.

Meanwhile, Reuters, citing a statement from China’s Foreign Ministry, said Xi told Biden that the war in Ukraine should be terminated as soon as possible. Xi also called on NATO countries to hold dialogue with Russia. The head of Beijing believes, “the top priorities now are to continue dialogue and negotiations, avoid civilian casualties, prevent a humanitarian crisis and cease-fire”.

According to China’s Foreign Ministry, Xi also opposes imposing sanctions, saying they will only cause people to suffer, “could cause serious crises in the global economy and trade, financial, energy, food, industrial and supply chains, paralyzing an already weakened world economy and causing irreparable damage.”

Tuan Anh

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