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Senior US officials say China is shocked and embarrassed by the outcome of Russia’s war in Ukraine. Photo/REUTERS
In his view, it shows that Beijing is uncomfortable with its strategic partner’s nuclear rhetoric; Russia .
The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, briefed reporters ahead of a meeting between US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Bali, Indonesia.
He said China was surprised and embarrassed by the results of the Russian war Ukraine .
Prime Minister Li Keqiang attended the East Asia summit on Sunday alongside President Joe Biden. ‘The Chinese prime minister has spoken quite extensively about China’s policy towards Ukraine,’ the senior US official reportedly said Reuters.
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“Li clearly emphasized sovereignty, irresponsible nuclear threats, the need to ensure that nuclear weapons are not used in the way some have suggested,” he said.
The West has long accused Russia of making irresponsible statements about the possible use of nuclear weapons since its invasion of Ukraine in February. Moscow in turn accuses the West of provocative nuclear rhetoric.
“There is undeniably some unease in Beijing about what we have seen in terms of reckless rhetoric and activity from Russia, despite the formal partnership with Moscow,” the US official continued.
“I think it is also undeniable that China may be surprised and even a little embarrassed by Russia’s conduct of military operations.”
Biden at a Sunday summit in Cambodia said the United States would compete vigorously with China by keeping lines of communication open to prevent conflict.
Biden and Xi Jinping will meet in person on Monday for the first time since Biden took office early last year.
Premier Li Keqiang is expected to be replaced next year and the US official said Washington believes Xi Jinping will bring “some fresh faces” to his meeting with Biden later today.
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