US Warns Xi Jinping Meeting Putin That China Cannot Have Its Cake and Eat It Too

"Cannot Maintain Relations with Russia and the West Simultaneously"

The U.S. government warned China on the 16th (local time) regarding Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to China, stating that "you cannot have your cake and eat it too."

Vedant Patel, Deputy Spokesperson for the State Department, made this statement during a briefing about the China-Russia summit. It was a warning that China cannot maintain relations with both Russia and the West simultaneously.

Deputy Spokesperson Patel said, "China supports Russia's defense industry and threatens not only Ukraine but also the security of Europe," adding, "China cannot continue this support while simultaneously developing relations with European countries."

Regarding the close ties among North Korea, China, and Russia, he stated, "We have long believed that China and Russia have played a role in assisting North Korea's provocations and reckless security-threatening actions," and "We believe China and Russia have the capacity and channels to engage with North Korea through bilateral and multilateral relations, including at the UN Security Council." He continued, "Whether the North Korea-Russia relationship strengthens further is not the issue," emphasizing, "We know that North Korea is providing materials to help Russia's invasion of Ukraine. We will continue to condemn such actions and hold them accountable."

President Putin, who is visiting China, held three meetings with President Xi Jinping on the same day to discuss current issues, including the war in Ukraine.