China 'can't have it both ways' with Russia and West: US

NEW DELHI: The United States has expressed its disapproval of China's stance on the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. According to the US State Department principal deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel, China cannot maintain strong relationships with Europe and other nations while simultaneously supporting Russia's actions.
"The People's Republic of China can't have its cake and eat it too.You cannot have it both ways. You want to have good, further stronger, deeper relationships with Europe and other countries. While simultaneously continuing to fuel the biggest threat to European security in a long time. It's important of this is not just the US position, it is one that is shared by our partners in the G7, our partners at Nato and our partners in the EU," Vedant Patel said at a daily press briefing.
"Fuelling Russia's defence base as the PRC has not only threatened Ukrainian security, it threatens European security. And Beijing can't achieve better relations with Europe will also continuing to support something like this," he added.
As Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Beijing for a state visit, Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed his willingness to collaborate with the Russian leader in guiding the future direction of bilateral relations between the two countries. During talks at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Xi suggested that the two sides should use the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties as a new starting point to further align their development strategies and enhance bilateral cooperation for the benefit of both countries and their peoples.
Xi also highlighted China's progress in advancing Chinese modernization across various sectors and its efforts to foster new productive forces through high-quality development, which he believes will contribute to global economic growth. He emphasized the importance of China and Russia as permanent members of the United Nations Security Council and major emerging markets.
Prior to Putin's visit, Chinese President Xi Jinping concluded a five-day tour of Europe, visiting France, Serbia, and Hungary. During his trip, he promoted Beijing's vision of a multipolar world and engaged in discussions on trade, investments, and Russia's war in Ukraine. In France, President Emmanuel Macron welcomed Xi with luxury cognac and a trip to his childhood haunt in the Pyrenees mountains, while in Serbia, President Aleksandar Vucic organized a grand welcome with a large crowd chanting "China, China" and waving Chinese flags.
Analysts suggest that Xi's primary objective with the European visit was to advocate for a world with reduced US dominance and to manage the damage to China's ties with the European Union amidst growing trade tensions. These tensions arise from the threat of European tariffs and an investigation into Chinese subsidies for electric vehicles, which officials claim are harming local industries.
(With inputs from agencies)