Xi-Putin meeting sends ‘alarming message’ of support for Russia – Pentagon chief
According to Austin, Xi’s meeting with Putin and his visit actually “became a show of support” for the Russian president.
The visit of Chinese leader Xi Jinping to Moscow, where he met with Russian President Vladimir Putin and signed a number of documents confirming the bilateral partnership between the countries in the context of Russia’s war against Ukraine, sends a “disturbing signal” that China is ready to support Russia.
According to Ukrinform, such a statement was made by the head of the Pentagon, Lloyd Austin, during a hearing in the Appropriations Committee of the US House of Representatives.
“Xi’s visit to Putin and his stay there for many days, I think, sends a very disturbing message, a message of support (for Russia – ed.),” Austin said.
Although there is currently no evidence of China providing lethal aid to Russia, Xi Jinping’s visit to Moscow and his meeting with Russian dictator Putin essentially “became a show of support” for the Russian president, which in itself is “very disturbing,” he said.
Austin noted that if China provides material support to Russia, this will potentially have an impact on the continuation of the Russian war against Ukraine and expand its influence not only in the region, but throughout the world.
Xi Jinping’s visit to Russia
On March 20, 2023, Chinese leader Xi Jinping arrived on an official visit to Moscow. The next day, he met with Russian President Vladimir Putin, where they discussed, among other things, the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
During the discussion of the Russian war against Ukraine, the Chinese leader noted that “conflicts, in the end, are resolved through dialogue and negotiations.” He also recalled the “peace plan” presented by China, where the war was called the “Ukrainian crisis”.
At the same time, the American Institute for the Study of War stressed that the head of the Kremlin did not get the desired result during negotiations with Xi Jinping. In particular, Putin has not agreed on a closer bilateral partnership with the Chinese authorities.