Russia-Ukraine war: Biden warns Xi against helping Putin

WASHINGTON – During a phone conversation on Friday, President Joe Biden warned Chinese President Xi Jinping against helping Russian President Vladimir Putin, as he wages war in Ukraine.

Biden’s goal was to clarify the “implications and consequences” of China’s decision to support Russia, as its military “conducts brutal attacks” against Ukrainians, according to the White House.

NATO wants Chinese banks to avoid helping Russia evade the consequences of the financial sanctions. Despite the warning, China’s public stance did not appear to change.

Biden’s counterpart stated the Russia-Ukraine war, which started on Feb. 24, was “not in anyone’s interest,” according to China’s Foreign Ministry.

Meanwhile, Chinese media portrayed China-U.S. relations as facing a “dilemma created by” former President Donald Trump, amid “more and more challenges,” The Associated Press reported.

Xi and Putin met in early February to declare a “friendship” between the two countries.

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Today’s coverage of Russia-Ukraine war

• In video call, Biden presses China’s Xi on Russia support

• Putin appears at big rally as troops press attack in Ukraine
• West accuses Russia of using UN council to spread propaganda
• US demands Russia allow access to detained Brittney Griner

• Pope asserts Ukraine right to defense in blasting Russia war
• Ukraine war ups pressure for US oil; industry faces hurdles
• UN: 6.5 million people displaced inside Ukraine due to war

• US father desperate to get 2-year-old son home from Ukraine
• EXPLAINER: Why Putin uses WWII to justify war with Ukraine
• Martin, McDonald, Porter join stars in telethon for Ukraine

Thursday’s report