Washington, 19 March 2022 (TDI): This Friday, President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping communicated through a phone call where the US President warned Xi Jinping that if they aid Russia against Ukraine then there would be severe “repercussions”.
Both leaders also agreed and emphasized for a diplomatic dialogue that would put an end to the bloodshed. The White House did not mention the details regarding what the United States meant by repercussions and aid.
However, Press Secretary Jen Psaki hinted toward the disruption of their massive trade with China. “Sanctions are certainly one tool in the toolbox,” Psaki told the media when inquired about China and their economic relations.
After the two-hour long virtual call between both the leaders, Jen Psaki stated that the United States will not hesitate to communicate with China along their European partners and counterparts.
During this time, when there is such a political turmoil in the international community, the United States has slapped harsh sanctions on Russia.
“He described the implications and consequences if China provides material support to Russia as it conducts brutal attacks against Ukrainian cities and civilians,” the White House said in statement, adding that Biden “underscored his support for a diplomatic resolution to the crisis.
The Foreign Ministry of China released that Xi Jinping has urged for this war to stop through diplomacy and dialogue but did not blame Russia entirely for the invasion.
According to Anton Blinken, the Secretary of State of the US, Washington is worried that Beijing might consider directly assisting the Russian military against Ukraine.
However, it is dismissed by China. Washington fears that Russia would economically develop relations with China, despite the economic sanctions.
If the United States were to impose sanctions on China as well, it would be an economic catastrophe considering the fact that China is the world’s second largest, manufacturer, and exporter.
