President Joe Biden sought to use 110 minutes Friday video call to bend Chinese counterpart androm Russia in its war on Ukraine, a pivotal moment that could determine the course of the bloody conflict.
President Xi Jinping told Biden that both the United States and China had a responsibility to ensure peace, according to state media, in a slanted indication that he was not interested in escalating the conflict. Afterward, the White House said its concerns about possible Beijing’s interference had not subsided.
“We have that concern,” White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said. The president detailed what the repercussions would be if China provided material support to Russia as it launched brutal attacks against Ukrainian cities and civilians. This is something we will watch and the world will watch.
Senior administration officials described the call as “direct,” “substantial” and “detailed,” but they did not provide many details about the lengthy conversation. An official said the bulk of the leaders’ discussions focused on the war in Ukraine and the repercussions the crisis could have on US-China relations and the “international order.” But the administration has refused to say publicly what those consequences are.
Biden’s goal Talking to Shi directly It was partly intended to ascertain exactly where the Chinese president was standing, and it was not immediately clear if he had gotten much clarity. The White House said it did not make any specific requests from Xi, opting instead to offer a broader view of the international situation.
Psaki said: “China has to make a decision on its own about where it wants to stand and how it wants to look at the history books and see their actions.” “This is a decision that President Xi will make.”
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