US Secretary of State to Russia: "No Progress Possible While Guns Are Pointed at Ukraine"

Tony Blinken, U.S. Secretary of State
Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] U.S. Secretary of State Tony Blinken on the 5th (local time) once again warned that Russia would pay a tremendous price if it invades Ukraine, while calling for tension reduction measures.

Secretary Blinken held a joint press conference at the State Department with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, who visited the U.S. for the first time, saying, "The question is whether Russia is serious about diplomacy and tension reduction," and added, "Tension reduction is necessary for negotiations to bear fruit and show real progress."

He emphasized, "It is very difficult to make actual progress under the threat of a gun pointed at Ukraine's head."

Secretary Blinken warned, "Russia should have no doubt that any further military attack on Ukraine will result in tremendous consequences and severe costs," and said that the U.S. and Europe would respond swiftly in case of emergency.

He condemned Russia's claim that Ukraine is provoking the conflict, saying, "It is like a fox saying, 'The chickens are threatening, so I have no choice but to attack the chicken coop.'"

Foreign Minister Baerbock, who was present, also reaffirmed that Russia would pay a tremendous price if it attacks Ukraine.

Amid growing concerns over Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the U.S. and Europe plan to hold a series of talks with Russia starting on the 10th to discuss security guarantees.

Secretary Blinken introduced that he also discussed cooperation on responses to China with Minister Baerbock on the same day.

He said, "Germany and the U.S. agreed on the importance of transatlantic cooperation regarding China. China poses a significant challenge to our shared values," and added, "We have immediate concerns about the Chinese government's attempts to harass Lithuania."

He continued, "This is not just Lithuania's problem; it is an issue that all countries should be able to determine their foreign policies without being subjected to such coercion," and emphasized, "The U.S., together with allies including Germany, will diversify supply chains and respond to economic intimidation while confronting the threat from China."

He also added that they will continue to stand together against the blatant human rights abuses by the Chinese government.

The Chinese authorities strongly opposed Secretary Blinken's remarks.

Wang Wenbin, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said at a regular briefing on the 6th (local time), "The U.S. repeatedly spreads rumors about Xinjiang and forces global companies to take sides, which is true coercive diplomacy," and stated, "Lithuania's interference in Taiwan issues is clearly right or wrong."

He continued, "The U.S. sides with Lithuania by making wrong statements about one China and one Taiwan, and also encourages Taiwan independence forces," he pointed out.

Lithuania approved the opening of a 'Taiwan Representative Office' last year, and China considers this a violation of the 'One China' principle, downgrading diplomatic relations with Lithuania from ambassadorial to charg? d'affaires level and imposing unofficial economic retaliation.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.