WASHINGTON: The White House has endorsed the idea of a discussion between the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, and Chinese leader Xi Jinping, as a positive step towards resolving the ongoing conflict. However, it has also warned Beijing against taking sides and urged them to adopt a balanced approach.
National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters that “We think it would be a very positive development if the two leaders talked,” in response to a recent report from the Wall Street Journal. The report stated that Zelensky is expected to hold talks with Xi for the first time since Russia, a close ally of China, invaded Ukraine.
Kirby expressed support for the talks, but cautioned against Chinese pressure to end the conflict, warning that it could embolden Russian aggression.
While there is no confirmation of a call between Zelensky and Xi, Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang held a phone conversation with his Ukrainian counterpart Dmytro Kuleba on Thursday.
Xi is also reportedly planning a visit to Moscow to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is a close ally of China.
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