January 1, White House Issues Warning to China

President Joe Biden warned Chinese President Xi Jinping that his country would face consequences if it provides “material support” to Russia during its invasion of Ukraine.

According to a White House readout of a call between the two leaders, “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.”

During a press conference, Secretary of State Antony Blinken was asked if Biden requested that China intervene against Russia’s invasion.

“The president really wasn’t making specific requests of China,” Blinken said. “He was laying out his assessment of the situation, what he thinks makes sense and the implications of certain actions.”

Later, White House press secretary Jen Psaki was asked why Biden didn’t make “specific requests.”

“Because China has to make a decision for themselves about where they want to stand,” Psaki said.

Psaki said that the Biden administration was still concerned that China may provide military assistance to Russia.

“That is something we will be watching and the world will be watching,” she said.

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Source:

Biden warns Beijing: No ‘material support’ to Russia