In Video Call, Biden Warns Xi Of Consequences For Backing Russia

Chinese Leader Says Ukraine War ‘In No One’s Interest’, But Doesn’t Blame Moscow

Key figures for a war half a world away, US President Joe Biden and China's Xi Jinping spoke for nearly two hours on Friday as the White House looked to deter Beijing from providing military or economic assistance for Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine.

China’s foreign ministry, in a readout after the video conversation, deplored “conflict and confrontation” as “not in anyone’s interest”, but assigned no blame to Russia and gave no indication of next steps.

The White House said Biden underscored to Xi the “implications and consequences if China provides material support to Russia as it conducts brutal attacks against Ukrainian cities and civilians”.

Ahead of the call, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Biden would question Xi about Beijing’s “rhetorical support” of Putin and an “absence of denunciation” of Russia’s invasion.

Foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying pushed back, calling the US administration “overbearing” for suggesting that China risks falling on the wrong side of history.