Biden outlined ‘consequences’ to Xi if China aids Russia, White House says

The US president, Joe Biden, described to China’s president, Xi Jinping, in a phone call today “implications and consequences” if Beijing provides material support to Russia as it attacks Ukrainian cities and civilians, the White House said.

In a statement, the White House said the phone call between the Chinese and American leaders, which lasted nearly two hours, focused on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

“President Biden outlined the views of the United States and our Allies and partners on this crisis. President Biden detailed our efforts to prevent and then respond to the invasion, including by imposing costs 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 President underscored his support for a diplomatic resolution to the crisis.”

An earlier statement from the Chinese foreign ministry quoted Xi as telling Biden that conflicts and confrontations were in no-one’s interests.

According to the ministry, Xi said:

“The top priorities now are to continue dialogue and negotiations, avoid civilian casualties, prevent a humanitarian crisis, cease fighting and end the war as soon as possible.”

Chinese state media quoted Xi saying in the call:

“The Ukraine crisis is something that we don’t want to see.”