{O/C} The U.S. and Chinese leaders met virtually last night to exchange views on bilateral issues, with the Ukraine crisis taking centre stage.
This, as Russian President Vladimir Putin made an appearance at a huge and patriotic rally in Moscow amid the interminable Ukraine crisis.
{SOT}
In a candid two-hour virtual dialogue, U.S. President Joe Biden reiterated that relations between the two countries have come to a crossroads again, adding the U.S. does not advocate Taiwan independence, nor does it seek a cold war with China.
But he insists the U.S. is obliged to ensure democracy on the self-governing island.
Noting the international political landscape has changed radically, President Xi Jinping warned the world is neither tranquil nor peaceful, given the ceaseless Ukraine war.
Concerning the intricate Taiwan issue, Xi cautioned against mishandling the situation, saying the U.S. has misconstrued China's intentions.
While differences between the world's two largest economies are inevitable, Xi says keeping them under control is key.
Meantime, Biden underscored the Russian invasion is deplorable, warning of grave consequences as he looks to deter Xi from providing materiel for Russia.
Yet, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying hit back, accusing the U.S. of its imperious manner.
While colossal losses are the foregone conclusion of the incursion, Russian President Vladimir Putin, who lavished praise on his troops fighting in Ukraine, appeared at a massive patriotic rally in Moscow on Friday with some 200,000 people in attendance.
Russia remains riven, with some all for the invasion while many joining anti-war protests.
The Ukrainian President says Russian forces are creating a humanitarian catastrophe with a view to bringing Ukrainians to heel.
Ukrainians troops are getting the short end of the stick as the besieged and flattened southern port city of Mariupol lost access to the Azov Sea.
Russian shelling reduced the National Academy of State Administration building to ruins, leaving at least 1 dead and injuring 11.
And at least 130 survived the bombing of a theatre in Mariupol in which many had hunkered down. But 1,300 are still marooned inside. It is uncertain if all are safe and sound.
Vowing not to leave Ukrainians in the lurch, President Volodymyr Zelensky, who's now staying in Kiev, said more than 9,000 have fled Mariupol in the previous day.
With an imminent humanitarian crisis staring him in the face, he requested talks with Putin in an effort to halt the crisis as the fight continues to afflict innocent civilians.
Comments