US Prez Joe Biden warns Xi Jinping over aid to Russia

Washington:US President Joe Biden has warned his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping of "implications and consequences" if Beijing provides material support to Russia amid its attacks on Ukrainian cities and civilians. In the telephonic conversation that lasted nearly two hours on Friday, the two leaders focused on Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

This was the first known discussion between the two leaders since November. According to the White House, "President Biden outlined the views of the United States and our Allies and partners on this crisis. "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." The White House said that the two leaders agreed on the importance of maintaining open lines of communication, to manage the competition between our two countries.

During the conversation, President Biden also reiterated that US policy on Taiwan has not changed, and emphasized that the US continues to oppose any unilateral changes to the status quo." Meanwhile, the Chinese foreign ministry quoted Xi as informing Biden that conflicts and confrontations were in no-one's interests, The Guardian reported. 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. "The Ukraine crisis is something that we don't want to see." (UNI)