Ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to Russia and the China-Russia summit, voices of caution are growing in the US political world. In particular, there is a skeptical view of China’s role as a ‘peace broker’ in Ukraine.
White House National Security Council Strategic Communications Coordinator John Kirby said in an interview with Fox News on the 19th (local time), “It is an attempt by China and Russia to disrupt the rules-based order established by the United States and many of its allies and partners since World War II. national security strategy.”
President Xi will pay a state visit to Russia for two nights and three days from the 20th to the 22nd and hold a summit meeting with President Vladimir Putin. This is the first official diplomatic schedule after the confirmation of a third consecutive term, and it has been a year and a month since the two countries declared a ‘limitless partnership’ in February of last year.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry described Xi’s visit to Russia as a “peace journey” and argued that it would play a constructive role in resolving the war in Ukraine. However, the West, including the US, has been wary of the possibility of China supporting Russia.
First of all, Coordinator Kirby points out that neither China nor Russia like the existing international order. “They want to rewrite the rules of the game globally,” said Kirby Coordinator. “They have strengthened their relationship and cooperation with each other.”
In particular, he pointed out that “China did not condemn Putin’s invasion of Ukraine,” and then “China still buys Russian oil and energy resources.” China also agrees that the war in Ukraine is the West’s fault.
Regarding the meeting between President Xi and President Putin, Coordinator Kirby also said, “Even if there is a call for a ceasefire of some kind, it will not be accepted.” .
“All of this is to give Putin more time,” he said. “We want President Xi to speak with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on the phone. “Because China needs to listen to Ukraine’s point of view as well.”
Former national security adviser Herbert McMaster during the former Donald Trump administration also pointed out in an interview on CBS’s ‘Face the Nation’ that day, “Xi Jinping visited Moscow for the first time almost 10 years ago, and (between the two countries) declared a special friendship.”
Former aide McMaster continued, “Since then, they (Xi Jinping and Putin) have continued to enhance their relationship.” He also pointed out, “Just before last year’s Beijing Olympics, right before the re-invasion of Ukraine on February 24, they declared a partnership without limits.”
“He (Xi) is visiting Moscow at a time when the US government and investigative media are reporting that ‘China is providing arms and ammunition and all other support to Putin,'” McMaster said. Support was also mentioned.
“As the next days and weeks pass, we will see more and more evidence that China is supporting (Russia),” he said. “China is helping Russia kill Ukrainians.” It is open to,” he said, raising his voice.
McMaster, a former aide, to this effect characterized President Xi and President Putin as “a real threat to world civilization.” He also mentioned President Putin’s visits to the Crimean Peninsula and Mariupol, pointing out that “this was done the night before Xi Jinping’s visit to Putin.”
The American media The New York Times (NYT) analyzed that day, “Chinese officials say that President Xi is visiting Russia on a peaceful mission.” .
In the article, the NYT pointed out that “US intelligence authorities concluded that Russia was isolated from many countries during the (Ukraine) war, but relations with China have deepened.” “The two countries continue joint military exercises.”
In addition, “China, along with Russia, has consistently criticized NATO,” he said. “China is still the largest buyer of Russian oil that helps finance the invasion. Chinese officials have never condemned the invasion,” he added.
The NYT also said, “Some analysts believe that President Xi used the excuse of being a ‘peacemaker’ by claiming that the purpose of his visit to Russia was to end the war in order to hide his efforts to strengthen his partnership with Putin, who was formally indicted by the International Criminal Court (ICC).” told
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Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.