Donald Trump has expressed a desire for China to assist the United States regarding Russia, specifically concerning the conflict in Ukraine. These remarks were made before a planned meeting with China's Xi Jinping in South Korea. China maintains close ties with Russia, a factor noted during a week that included specific developments affecting Ukraine's military aid and finances.
Trump's Focus on the Ukraine War
Ending the Russia-Ukraine war has become a stated objective for Trump in recent months. A summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in August did not yield tangible results. Trump commented earlier in the week, "Every time I speak to Vladimir, I have good conversations and then they don't go anywhere." On Wednesday, the Trump administration announced new sanctions targeting Russia's two largest oil companies, marking the first direct interventions by his administration on Russia related to the war. The Kremlin stated it was "immune" to these sanctions.
Anticipated Meeting with Xi Jinping
Trump is scheduled to meet with China's Xi Jinping. While trade relations between the US and China are an expected focus, Trump stated he would discuss "everything," including the war in Ukraine, with Xi. Trump expressed his view, "I'd like to see China help us out [with Russia]. I have a very good relationship... with President Xi. Very good," adding that Xi "wants to see the war end." Earlier this week, Trump also stated that the Chinese president "can have a big influence on Putin."
China-Russia Relationship
Beijing has not issued criticism regarding Russia's actions in Ukraine. The US and its allies have accused China of supporting Russia's war effort through purchases of Russian oil and monthly supplies of dual-use materials, accusations which Beijing denies. Putin and Xi have previously characterized their countries' relationship as a "friendship with no limits." Russia anticipates that gas exports to China and other nations will compensate for revenue losses incurred due to Western sanctions. Recently, Putin, Xi, and North Korea's Kim Jong Un met in Beijing.
Recent Developments Affecting Ukraine
In the past week, the US declined to provide Tomahawk cruise missiles to Ukraine. Additionally, EU leaders did not release frozen Russian funds to help finance Ukraine's defense. Reports also indicated further strikes occurred in Ukraine.