For the first time since November, US President Joe Biden is slated to speak with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday, in an effort to exert additional pressure on Russia.
According to a statement from White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki on Thursday, Biden is scheduled to hold a telephone call with Xi to discuss Russia’s military operation in Ukraine, as the US attempts to heighten pressure on China to refrain from supporting Moscow. “This is part of our ongoing efforts to maintain open lines of communication,” Psaki said. “The two leaders will discuss managing the competition between our two countries as well as Russia’s war against Ukraine and other issues of mutual concern.”
China has thus far refrained from joining the West and the EU in denouncing Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, instead urging both sides to negotiate and address Moscow’s security concerns in terms of NATO expansion. Earlier this week, White House national security advisor Jake Sullivan and Chinese diplomat Yang Jiechi held an intense meeting in Rome, with Washington threatening consequences against the communist country should Beijing aid in Putin’s military campaign or offer economic support.
“I think that the message to the Chinese right now is basically there are a variety of futures for the relationship. Some very dark, some more moderate,” said Asia Group senior advisor Evan Medeiros, as cited by Reuters.
Information for this briefing was found via Reuters. The author has no securities or affiliations related to this organization. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security. The author holds no licenses.
