Beden, Xi to discuss China's possible military assistance to Russia

“President Biden will speak with President Xi tomorrow (April) and will make it clear that China will take responsibility for any action it takes to support Russian aggression”, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said at a press conference on 17 March.

Beden and Xi will also discuss economic competitiveness between the two countries, White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki said.

This is part of our ongoing efforts to keep open lines of communication between the two countries”, the White House said in a statement.

The two leaders will discuss competition management between our two countries, as well as Russia's fight against Ukraine and other issues of common interest”, said Psaki.

The call was scheduled after the meeting in Rome on 14 March, between White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and senior Chinese foreign policy adviser Yang Jiechi.

A senior officer of the Biden administration said Sullivan was direct to Yang in connection with <x0-cymlication and possible consequences” for China if it offers support to Russia.

China and Russia have intensified their bilateral relations in recent years and China has not effectively condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and this has raised concerns in Washington.

There are also reports that Russia has contacted China for help, which Russia denies.

During his meeting with Yang, Sullivan urged more transparency for Beijing's position regarding Russia, and reiterated that any China's attempt to help Russia avoid sanctions would be costly for Xi Jinping's government.

Although the war in Ukraine has recently received President Biden's attention, White House officials say they do not share their eyes on China. / REL