High-Level US-China Talks to Be Held on the 14th... Discussion on Ukraine Issue and More

[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Joselgina] Senior officials from the United States and China will meet in Italy on the 14th (local time) to discuss issues including Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The White House announced on the 13th that Jake Sullivan, White House National Security Advisor, and Yang Jiechi, Chinese Politburo member in charge of foreign affairs, will hold a meeting in Rome, Italy.

The White House explained, "This meeting is part of efforts to maintain communication channels between the two countries," adding, "They plan to discuss ongoing efforts to manage competition between the two nations." It also confirmed that the impact of Russia's invasion of Ukraine on regional and international security will be discussed.

So far, the United States has publicly stated its policy not to allow China to provide assistance to Russia, which invaded Ukraine.

On the same day, Advisor Sullivan said in interviews with CNN, CBS, and NBC, "We are closely monitoring the extent to which China is actually providing any form of material or economic support to Russia," adding, "This is a matter of concern for us."

He confirmed that the U.S. has directly warned China, stating, "We have conveyed to China that we will not tolerate or stand by any country compensating for Russia's losses caused by economic sanctions." When asked whether sanctions would be imposed if China helps Russia, he emphasized that no country or place will be allowed to provide a lifeline to Russia under economic sanctions.

Previously, China abstained from the United Nations Security Council and General Assembly resolutions demanding Russia's withdrawal. On the 11th, Li Keqiang, Premier of the State Council of China, expressed opposition to sanctions against Russia, saying they are "disadvantageous to all countries."

Furthermore, it is expected that the recent developments regarding North Korea's intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) test launch will also be discussed during this meeting.