[Summary] 4th Week of Ukraine Invasion... Biden-Xi Jinping First Call, Will It Be a 'Turning Point'?

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Joselgina] On the 18th (local time), U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping held a phone call for the first time since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, drawing attention to whether the prolonged Ukraine crisis will reach a 'turning point.' Amid reports that Russia has requested military and economic support from China, the Biden administration is using this call as an 'opportunity to gauge President Xi's stance,' even suggesting the possibility of sanctions against China in the worst-case scenario. It is also crucial whether China, which has sided with Russia, will choose to act as a 'mediator.'

The White House confirmed the phone call plan on the 17th in a statement, saying, "The two leaders will discuss managing competition between their countries, Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and other mutual concerns." This direct contact between President Biden and President Xi is the first in four months since the virtual summit on November 15 last year and the first since the Ukraine invasion.

During this call, President Biden is expected to reiterate a warning that there will be 'serious consequences' if China supports Russia's war, while urging President Xi to play a mediating role for an early resolution of the Ukraine crisis.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated at a briefing on the same day, "We will make it clear that China will be held accountable for any actions it takes to support Russia's invasion of Ukraine." This signals retaliatory measures comparable to sanctions against Russia if China provides support. White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said, "This call is an opportunity for President Biden to gauge President Xi's position."

Notably, this call took place ahead of President Biden's trip to Europe, suggesting that it could lead to a unified response from Western countries including the United States, the European Union (EU), and the Group of Seven (G7). Just a few days earlier, on the 14th, the U.S.-China high-level talks included warnings regarding support for Russia, but no clear response was received from China. Kevin Rudd, Director of the Asia Society Policy Institute and former Australian Prime Minister, commented, "There is an issue regarding the military support Russia has requested from China," calling it "an important call."

Chinese President Xi Jinping [Photo by Yonhap News]

There is also speculation that China may emerge as a mediator to stop Russian President Vladimir Putin's aggressive actions under international pressure. Since the Ukraine crisis, China has avoided using terms like 'invasion' or 'condemnation,' showing a stance siding with Russia. However, with unprecedented sanctions continuing and growing international criticism, it is considered difficult for China to maintain its 'support for Russia.' Secretary Blinken's remark that "China has a responsibility to exert influence on President Putin to uphold international rules and principles" is also interpreted as opening the door for China's involvement.

The Wall Street Journal (WSJ), citing foreign policy experts, suggested that China might adopt a 'benevolent neutrality' strategy, positioning itself as a global leadership country that counters the West, including the United States. Some analysts also evaluate that if the U.S. retreats from hardline measures such as sanctions relief against China, China might have more room to take further action.

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