U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul (R-TX) has responded to comments made by Chinese President Xi Jinping, saying that talks between China and Russia on a "no limit" partnership "should not be tolerated" by the U.S. and its allies.
According to Reuters, Xi and Russia's Vladimir Putin announced a strategic partnership in February, aimed at countering the influence of the U.S. on issues such as Taiwan and Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The countries opposed the AUKUS alliance between Australia, Britain and the U.S., and they expressed concern about U.S. missile defense plans and criticized attempts by "certain states" to establish global authority. Russia supported China's stance that Taiwan is part of China and shouldn't be independent.
McCaul, chairman of the House Foreign Relations Committee, says the two nations are going down a dangerous path.
"Chairman Xi’s visit to Moscow is further proof the Chinese Communist Party has chosen to side with Russia, doubling down on the ‘no limits’ partnership Xi and Putin established before the full-scale invasion of Ukraine," he said, according to Foreign Affairs Committee Republicans. "Make no mistake: Xi wants Putin to win and cannot serve as a neutral peace broker. And the world should expect Xi to call on Putin to return the favor if China invades Taiwan by providing military, economic and diplomatic support. Increased CCP support of Russia should not be tolerated – by the United States or our allies and partners.”
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China, China has laid out its position, calling for nations to uphold international law, abandon the "Cold War mentality," ceasing hostilities, resume peace talks, resolve the humanitarian crisis, protect civilians and prisoners of war, keep nuclear power plants safe, reduce strategic risks and keep markets secure. China emphasized the importance of respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries, and it encouraged all parties to work together for peace.
According to a tweet from Chinese government spokesperson Hua Chunying, Xi met with Putin on March 20.
Reuters reported that Xi visited with Putin at the Kremlin for about four and a half hours, days after an international court issued an arrest warrant for Putin's alleged war crimes in Ukraine. The timing of the visit led the U.S. to accuse China of providing "diplomatic cover" for Putin, who has called Xi a "dear friend."
China's proposal for Ukraine was largely dismissed in the West as a maneuver to help Putin.
"That President Xi is traveling to Russia days after the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for President Putin suggests that China feels no responsibility to hold the Kremlin accountable for the atrocities committed in Ukraine," Secretary of State Antony Blinken told Reuters.
Washington is afraid China may attempt to arm Russia in its war with Ukraine, according to Reuters.
