The chair of the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee, Rep. Michael McCaul, expressed concern about the partnership between Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin. He stated that this alliance poses a significant threat to Europe and the Pacific, comparing it to the scale of the threat seen during World War II. The Biden administration has warned China of consequences if it supports Russia’s war effort in Ukraine. A U.S. intelligence report suggested that China may have provided equipment with military applications to Ukraine. China’s increased purchases of Russian oil and gas have frustrated the U.S. and its allies as it undermines economic pressure on Moscow. McCaul expects Sweden to join NATO by October, which he believes will strengthen and unite the alliance. The congressional delegation visiting Europe aims to strengthen ties with strategic allies, discuss support for NATO and Ukraine, and address shared threats from China.
