In a phone call with U.S. President Joe Biden, Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of avoiding the escalation of wars, stating that conflicts are not beneficial for anyone. He urged Washington to steer relations with Beijing in the right direction, saying, "Bilateral relations should not turn into confrontation." Xi Jinping also confirmed to Biden, according to the official CCTV, that "the relations between countries should not reach the point of military actions," considering that "peace and security are the most valuable treasures of the international community."
Long-standing Conflict in Ukraine
Additionally, he stressed that his country does not want to see a long-term conflict in Ukraine. Notably, this conversation between the two leaders is the fourth since Biden took office and was held to discuss the war in Ukraine amid U.S. concerns about possible Chinese assistance to Moscow. The U.S. administration has repeatedly stated that Beijing will bear responsibility for any actions intended to support Russia, whether militarily, economically, or in any way that circumvents the harsh Western sanctions imposed, warning of significant costs to the giant Chinese economy.
Since the onset of the Russian military operation in Ukraine on February 24, the Chinese communist regime, which prioritizes its relationship with Moscow and shares deep apprehensions towards the United States, has refrained from calling on Russian President Vladimir Putin to withdraw his forces from Ukraine, while also considering its economic interests and extensive trade relations with the United States. China, being the largest exporter in the world and the biggest trading partner of the European Union, as well as the largest foreign supplier of goods to the United States, is wary of sliding into an open confrontation with Washington due to the repercussions it would have on itself. Nevertheless, any pressure on Chinese trade would similarly have indirect economic impacts on America and its allies.
