Despite Yellen’s Warning, Beijing Confirms Continued Cooperation with Moscow
During her visit to China from April 4–8, U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen warned Beijing of the “significant consequences” if Chinese companies support Russia’s military endeavors.
Following Yellen’s warning, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov visited China, highlighting Russia’s intention to enhance its ties with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
On April 9, CCP leader Xi Jinping met with Lavrov in Beijing, expressing his agreement with Russian President Putin to uphold key agreements and maintain close communication.
In response to Lavrov’s visit, Russia’s foreign ministry stated that it was a crucial phase in preparations for Putin’s visit to China. Xi praised the strong Sino-Russian relationship amid global complexities and emphasized further strategic cooperation.
During a February 2022 trip to Beijing, Russia and China declared an unrestricted partnership. Shortly after, Russia initiated its military campaign in Ukraine.
Xi had previously invited Putin for a visit when an international arrest warrant was issued, but it didn’t hinder Sino-Russian relations. The two leaders referred to each other as close allies and maintained strong ties.
CCP Aiding Massive Russian Military Buildup
Recent data indicates that the CCP has been clandestinely supporting Russia’s defense industry and forming a strategic partnership, with trade figures reaching unprecedented levels, primarily in military-related materials.
Russian military expansion has raised concerns internationally. NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg criticized China’s involvement in aiding the Russian war economy, jeopardizing global stability.
China-Russia Cooperation: ‘Double Counteracting’ the West
Following Lavrov’s meeting with CCP officials, China and Russia pledged to enhance cooperation against Western pressure, aiming to bolster security in the Eurasian region and inviting like-minded nations to join their efforts.
Zhang suggested potential U.S. sanctions against China to deter further collusion with Russia, prompting China to make a definitive choice between alliances.
Analyst Zhuge Yangming highlighted the polarization of global geopolitics, with Western democracies banding together against authoritarian regimes like CCP, Russia, North Korea, and Iran.
Japanese PM: US Does Not Carry ‘Heavy Burden’ Alone
Japanese Prime Minister Kishida, in a speech to the U.S. Congress, underscored the growing challenges posed by China’s military actions to Japan and global peace, emphasizing the need for collective international responses.
Kishida acknowledged the burden on the U.S. as the upholder of the international order but advocated for shared responsibility with allies like Japan to preserve liberty and global stability.
