U.S National Security Council Spokesman, John Kirby has urged Chinese President, Xi Jinping to press Vladimir Putin to “halt the war crimes” in Ukraine.
As part of Xi’s first visit to Moscow since the invasion, he will meet with Russian President, Vladimir Putin on Tuesday, March 21, 2023 for official talks.
On Monday, March 20, 2023, Xi and Putin held more than four hours of what were labelled as informal talks, with more formal discussions scheduled for Tuesday.
John Kirby stressed that seeking a ceasefire would not be enough.
“We hope that President Xi will press President Putin to cease bombing Ukrainian cities, hospitals and schools, to halt the war crimes and atrocities and to withdraw his troops.
“But we are concerned that instead China will reiterate calls for a ceasefire that leaves Russian forces inside Ukraine’s sovereign territory and any ceasefire that does not address the removal of Russian forces from Ukraine would effectively ratify Russia’s illegal conquests.”
John Kirby, U.S National Security Council Spokesman
There are concerns that China’s support for Russia, currently based on technology and trade, might become military, potentially including artillery shells.
Putin has stated that he will discuss a 12-point plan proposed by Xi to “settle the acute crisis in Ukraine.” China released its 12-point plan to end the war last month. It includes “ceasing hostilities” and resuming peace talks.
“We’re always open for a negotiation process,” Putin said, as the leaders called each other “dear friend”.
China’s plan did not specifically state that Russia must withdraw from Ukraine, which Ukraine has insisted as a precondition for any talks.
Instead, it talked of “respecting the sovereignty of all countries”, adding that “all parties must stay rational and exercise restraint” and “gradually de-escalate the situation”.
The plan also condemned the usage of “unilateral sanctions”, which is perceived as as a veiled criticism of Ukraine’s allies in the West.
Before Xi’s arrival, Putin wrote in China’s People’s Daily newspaper that the two nations would not be weakened by “aggressive” U.S policy.
Ukrainian leaders have been publicly emphasizing the common ground they have with China; respecting sovereignty and territorial integrity, but privately, they have been lobbying for a meeting or telephone call between President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Xi Jinping.
This was iterated by John Kirby who urged Xi “to play a constructive role” in the effort to end the conflict by speaking with Zelenskyy.
Putin Hails China For “Observing The Principles Of Justice”
On Monday, March 20, 2023, a military band gave the Chinese President a warm welcome to Moscow at the start of the three-day visit. Putin hailed China for “observing the principles of justice” and pushing for “undivided security for every country”.
The President of Russia, Vladimir Putin added that China had made “a tremendous leap forward in its development” in recent years, saying, “We even feel a bit envious.” In response, Xi praised Putin’s leadership.
“Under your strong leadership, Russia has made great strides in its prosperous development. I am confident that the Russian people will continue to give you their firm support.”
Xi Jinping
Russia is a source of oil for Beijing’s huge economy, and is seen as a partner in standing up to the U.S.
In another development, Japan’s Prime Minister, Fumio Kishida, is making a surprise visit to Ukraine for talks with President Volodymyr Zelensky. He is expected to promote solidarity and support for Ukraine following Russia’s invasion.
Japan and China see each other as regional rivals. Since Russia’s war in Ukraine began, Tokyo has provided Kyiv with a mixture of humanitarian, financial and non-lethal military aid.
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