China lends support to Russia’s security concerns.
In a call with Secretary of State Antony Blinken, the Chinese foreign minister called for the United States to yield to Russia’s demands for a NATO rollback. Secretary Blinken had delivered a written response to Moscow intended to deter a Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Of the U.S. response to Russia, Secretary Blinken said it “sets out a serious diplomatic path forward should Russia choose it.” He added, “The document we’ve delivered includes concerns of the United States and our allies and partners about Russia’s actions that undermine security, a principal and pragmatic evaluation of the concerns that Russia has raised, and our own proposals for areas where we may be able to find common ground.”
However, the Chinese minister was supportive of Russian justifications for mobilizing forces near Ukrainian borders and publishing a “draft treaty” that would require NATO to close the door to any new members and ban U.S. and Western European militaries from operating on the territory of Eastern European allies.
Of the policies of NATO and the alliance’s open doors, Secretary Blinken said, “There is no change. There will be no change.” He added that the ball is now in Russia’s court.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For discernment for Secretary Blinken as he interacts with leaders from aggressive nations.
- For the president and his administration as they seek ways to peacefully deescalate the situation with Ukraine and Russia.
- For U.S. diplomats and allies to have understanding and discretion as they work for agreements to avoid war.
Sources: Washington Examiner, CNN
