US says China cannot be 'impartial' mediator in Ukraine conflict, Beijing fires back

Mỹ bác bỏ vai trò trung gian của Trung Quốc trong vấn đề Ukraine

White House National Security Council Coordinator John Kirby. (Source: Reuters)

Speaking to reporters, White House National Security Council Coordinator John Kirby said, "China cannot be viewed as an 'innocent' party in any way," noting that Beijing did not criticize Russia's military campaign in Ukraine.

Besides, according to Mr. Kirby, China continues to buy Russian oil even when the West imposes a series of sanctions on Moscow's energy industry to prevent the Kremlin's financial resources for the military campaign.

In addition, China also believes that other Western countries are responsible for the conflict because they have strongly supported Ukraine over the years, making Russia feel threatened.

If China wants to play a constructive role in Ukraine, President Xi Jinping should urge Russia to end its military campaign in the Eastern European country, the White House coordinator said.

Asserting that the US does not want to see a ceasefire in Ukraine, Mr. Kirby explained: “That would freeze the lines in place, essentially giving Russia the time and space it needs to try to rearm, to mobilize additional forces as well as to offset the cost of resources there.”

Chinese President Xi Jinping is visiting Moscow from March 20-22.

After two days of talks, Chinese leaders and Russian President Vladimir Putin exchanged warm words about bilateral friendship, stressing that "responsible dialogue" is the best way to resolve the Ukraine crisis.

Mr. Xi also affirmed that Beijing has an “unbiased stance” on the conflict in Ukraine and supports peace and dialogue.

However, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken criticized the Chinese President's visit to Russia, saying that the diplomatic activity showed that Beijing felt no obligation to hold the Kremlin accountable for the conflict in Ukraine and provided "diplomatic cover" for Moscow.

Responding to this comment, on March 21, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said that Secretary of State Blinken has no authority to criticize Beijing and even less to blame the situation in Ukraine on this Northeast Asian country.

Mr. Uong Van Binh emphasized: "China did not cause the Ukraine crisis and is not a party to this crisis... We have never provided weapons to any party involved in the conflict."

Reiterating opposition to any action that could escalate the conflict in Ukraine, and stressing that the US has continued to supply weapons to Kiev, the Chinese diplomat reminded: "The US should objectively consider the efforts of Beijing and the international community to achieve peaceful dialogue."