According to reports, Xi Jinping, the Chinese president, is being credited with stopping Vladimir Putin from using nuclear weapons against Ukraine.
The claim suggests that during Xi’s state visit to Moscow in March, he warned Putin against such escalation.
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Xi’s visit, which took place amid China’s zero-Covid policy and was one of his first trips outside of China, was seen as a significant factor in reducing the risk of nuclear war.
The EU’s foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, stated at the time that Xi made it “very very clear” that he did not want the situation to escalate.
A senior US administration official has now revealed to the Financial Times that China is taking credit for delivering the anti-nuclear message at various levels. The official stated, “The Chinese are taking credit for sending the [anti-nuclear] message at every level.”
Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Russia has become increasingly reliant on China, both economically and politically. The country has faced significant Western sanctions due to its actions, making China a crucial partner for its economy.
China and Russia also signed a bilateral trade deal worth $190 billion (£148 billion) last year, further solidifying their relationship.
However, China’s support for Russia has not been unwavering. While Xi promised an extensive partnership with Putin, China is also keen to maintain relations with Europe and avoid deepening rifts with nations aligned with Ukraine.
Josep Borrell mentioned in March that Xi aims to “minimize” the risk of being associated with Russian military intervention to avoid direct involvement in the conflict.
Throughout the war, Putin has repeatedly used nuclear threats to exert pressure on Ukraine and the West, particularly when receiving support in the form of investments or weapons from Europe or the US.
Putin recently moved tactical nuclear weapons closer to the West, stationed in Belarus. These lower-yield weapons are intended for battlefield use rather than widespread attacks on civilizations.
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In addition, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy raised concerns about suspected explosives being planted on the roof of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station, heightening fears of a major nuclear accident caused by Moscow.
US President Joe Biden also acknowledged the real threat posed by Putin’s willingness to use nuclear weapons. However, the US stated that it had not observed any immediate signs indicating Russia’s intention to deploy nuclear weapons.
The post China Claims To Have Stopped Russia From Going Nuclear In Ukraine appeared first on SurgeZirc UK.
