White House: “No surprise” over strengthening Russia-China alliance

The White House said it’s “no surprise” that Russia and communist China continue to strengthen their strategic partnership after the two countries’ leaders hugged twice in front of cameras on May 17, per NTD.

“What they have in common is a desire to challenge the international rules-based or challenge the network of alliances and partnerships that the United States enjoys” and to “try to look for ways to bolster each other’s national security interests,” John Kirby, President Joe Biden’s national security spokesman, told reporters at a May 17 briefing.

“We didn’t see anything coming out of this meeting that we were necessarily surprised by,” he said.

Mr. Kirby’s comments come as Russian President Vladimir Putin travelled to China for a second visit in less than a year.

During the meeting with Chinese communist regime leader Xi Jinping, Mr Putin reaffirmed the “no limit” partnership he declared weeks before sending troops to Ukraine in 2022.

They also issued a 7,000-word joint statement on May 16 in a display of their closeness amid U.S.-led pressure over Russia’s war against Ukraine war and China’s aid to Moscow.

After a day of talks in Beijing, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) leader, Xi, who is not known for displaying warmth with other leaders, initiated a hug with a smile after shaking hands with Mr. Putin, videos released by China’s state broadcaster CCTV show.

The Krelimin chief appeared to hesitate for a few seconds, then raised his arms and embraced Xi, patting each other on the shoulders. The two leaders shook hands again before Mr Putin left in his state car.

Asked about the footage, Mr Kirby brushed off the two leaders’ display of closeness.

“That’s nice for them,” Mr. Kirby said. As the two countries “clearly are acting in various ways around the world inimical to our national security interests,” it’s “no surprise that these two leaders continue to try to develop this burgeoning relationship.

“But they’re also two leaders that don’t have a long history of working together. And officials in both governments that aren’t necessarily all that trustful of the other,” he added.