The U.S. has voiced concerns over the meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing.
According to AFP on the 16th (local time), Vedant Patel, a U.S. State Department spokesman, said during a briefing, “China cannot have it both ways.” He added, “It is impossible to wish for deepening ties with Europe while continuing to fan the flames of the biggest threat to European security.”
Spokesman Patel pointed out, “China’s support for the Russian defense industry not only threatens Ukraine’s security but also threatens European security.”
Regarding President Xi’s emphasis on European peace, he explained, “From our perspective, the solution is simple. Russia needs to leave Ukraine.”
White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre also pointed out in a separate briefing, “We cannot allow Chinese companies to support President Putin’s war with Ukraine.”
Following their meeting, President Putin and President Xi issued a joint statement criticizing the U.S.-led military alliance AUKUS and Western pressure on North Korea and emphasizing economic cooperation between China and Russia. After wrapping up his meeting with President Xi, President Putin will attend the opening ceremony of the 8th Russia-China Expo in Harbin.
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