WASHINGTON: In a stern warning to China, the United States cautioned on Tuesday that it would hold Beijing accountable if Moscow makes significant gains in Ukraine, following renewed pledges of cooperation between Russia and China.
Kurt Campbell, the U.S. Deputy Secretary of State known for his role in reshaping U.S. policy towards Asia, emphasized the critical importance of maintaining peace and stability in Europe. He asserted that safeguarding European stability is a pivotal historical mission for the United States.
Amid Russia’s intensified offensive in Ukraine and a congressional impasse on approving additional weapons to Ukraine, Campbell cautioned that any territorial gains by Russia could disrupt the balance of power in Europe in unacceptable ways.
Directly addressing China, Campbell stated, “We have told China directly, if this continues, it will have an impact on the U.S.-China relationship. We will not sit by and say everything is fine.”
Campbell further highlighted concerns about Russia’s actions being supported by China and North Korea, terming this cooperation contrary to U.S. interests.
Regarding a recent visit by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov to China, during which President Xi Jinping expressed readiness to enhance coordination, Campbell noted that the Biden administration had forewarned Chinese officials about intelligence indicating Russia’s intentions to invade Ukraine in February 2022.
Campbell suggested that China initially underestimated the severity of the Russian actions, believing it might be a limited engagement rather than a full-scale invasion.
The U.S. official also revealed that China had become increasingly alarmed by Russia’s initial setbacks and subsequently assisted Moscow in rebuilding various capacities, initially for defensive purposes.
However, Campbell noted that Russia has significantly bolstered its capabilities since then, posing a substantial ongoing threat to Ukraine and the surrounding region.
The United States has consistently threatened sanctions against China if it takes further concrete steps to support Russia in the conflict.
U.S. officials have also expressed concern that Russia is increasingly sourcing arms from North Korea and Iran, both of which are subject to extensive international sanctions, to sustain its military operations in Ukraine.
