CNN Indonesia
Monday, 20 March 2023 20:38 WIB
Jakarta, CNNIndonesia —
United States of America skeptical of the initiative China who seeks to mediate in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
White House spokesman John Kirby said any calls made by Chinese President Xi Jinping with President Vladimir Putin for a ceasefire would not be accepted.
According to Kirby a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine would only strengthen Russia’s conquest of Ukraine to date.
“All that will do is just give Putin more time to adjust, retrain, reset and try new attacks at a time of his choosing,” Kirby said. Reuters.
The meeting between Putin and Xi Jinping did not come as a surprise to the United States, because news of this meeting had been circulating for the last few weeks.
The United States is worried that China’s intervention in the Russia-Ukraine conflict will actually change the dynamics on the battlefield, or even prolong the war.
US national security adviser Jake Sullivan said China’s visit to Russia would be of great concern.
“Obviously, Russia has its own interests in trying to draw other countries into this conflict. But our position will remain the same whether they meet or not,” Sullivan said, citing CNN.
The concern among US officials is not that China will help Russia on the battlefield. Instead, the fear is that aid from Beijing will end the war in a way that benefits Moscow.
US President Joe Biden has repeatedly warned Xi not to side with Russia in the war.
Biden said he wanted to keep the lines of communication open with China. Because the risk of a diplomatic conflict will easily be triggered, if the two disputing parties do not have channels to communicate.
President Xi Jinping today (20/3) has landed in Moscow, to attend a meeting with Vladimir Putin.
Calling it a “visit for peace”, Beijing claims Xi’s visit was as a mediator between Russia and Ukraine.
(dna)
