Officials from the United States and China met on Monday in their first high-level meeting in Rome to discuss various challenges facing their bilateral relations, including the Russia-Ukraine war.
A senior administration official described the talks as ‘tense’ and lasted at least seven hours.
According to the official, who did not want to be named, Biden's national security adviser Jake Sullivan conveyed U.S. concerns to China's top diplomat, Yang Jiechi, that Beijing may be trying to help Russia face global sanctions.
This follows reports that say Moscow has asked for Chinese help to prepare military equipment for its war in Ukraine, which is now entering its third week.
However, Beijing has denied reports that it has asked Moscow for military equipment or any other assistance to support its attack on Ukraine. This was also denied by Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Monday.
In addition, Sullivan is also said to have warned China that if it is found to be helping Russia, Beijing will receive a high retribution. This includes helping Moscow evade sanctions imposed by the US and its Western allies.
