Biden Warns China of Economic Consequences for Backing Russia in Ukraine

July 12, 2024 TruthUSA

President Biden stated that China will not benefit economically from supporting Russia’s aggression, with potential penalties such as increased tariffs and reduced foreign investment.

During a press conference at the NATO summit in Washington on July 11, U.S. President Joe Biden cautioned the Chinese communist regime that backing Russia in its conflict with Ukraine would not lead to economic advantages. He emphasized that there would be consequences, including raised tariffs and a decrease in foreign investment.

“We have to make sure that Xi understands there’s a price to pay,” President Biden said, referring to Chinese Communist Party (CCP) leader Xi Jinping.

The president highlighted that the CCP must recognize that supporting Russia with resources and aid, in collaboration with countries like North Korea, will not benefit China economically. This might result in a loss of expected investments.

President Biden mentioned the elevated tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles by his administration due to China’s failure to comply with international regulations.

He underlined, “So guess what? They’re not going to be able to export their electric vehicles [to] the United States without a significant tariff.”

These remarks followed a joint communique by NATO allies criticizing China for being a “decisive enabler” of Russia’s war against Ukraine. NATO urged China to stop supporting Russia’s war efforts, especially the transfer of dual-use materials like weapon components.

In a press conference, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg stated that China’s supplies were aiding Russia in building weapons used in the conflict with Ukraine.

China’s foreign ministry dismissed NATO’s criticism, calling it “ill-motivated” and claimed it made no sense during a daily briefing.

President Biden also discussed how China leverages its market influence to sway other countries.

He added, “Xi believes that China is a large enough market that they can entice any country, including European countries, to invest there in return for commitments from Europe.”

A face-to-face meeting took place between President Biden and Xi Jinping in San Francisco last year, addressing various contentious topics such as military communication, fentanyl, and Taiwan.

President Biden emphasized that he is currently engaging with Xi directly and acknowledged the strengthening alliance between Beijing and Moscow.

In response to their deepening relationship, the White House expressed no surprise, noting that both China and Russia are challenging the international rules-based order.

In 2023, the bilateral trade between China and Russia reached a record $240.1 billion, showing a 25 percent increase from the previous year.

‘This Is Dangerous’

Lawmakers applauded NATO’s move to confront China for its role in enabling Russia’s aggression.

Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas) commended NATO for acknowledging Chairman Xi’s involvement in aiding Putin’s aggressive actions against Ukraine.

“The administration must impose costs on China for supporting this war,” Mr. McCaul emphasized.

Mr. McCaul had previously urged President Biden to take action against the alliance between Moscow and Beijing, highlighting the insufficiency of the current sanctions against Chinese entities.

“The United States cannot allow the PRC to undermine freedom and democracy worldwide,” Mr. McCaul asserted.

The Biden administration has sanctioned numerous Chinese entities for aiding Russia’s military efforts, including providing U.S.-origin integrated circuits.

Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.) praised NATO leaders for calling out the CCP’s leadership, emphasizing the danger of supporting Putin’s actions against Ukraine.

Russia has become China’s top crude oil supplier, with China importing a significant amount of crude oil from Russia annually.

Gordon Chang urged NATO member states to take action to stop Chinese support for Russia in a recent social media post.

At the NATO Public Forum, Mr. Stoltenberg highlighted the need for Allies to take decisive action against China’s role in fueling the conflict in Europe.

He emphasized, “So this is a challenge for the Alliance. Let’s see how far we’re willing to go as Allies.”

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