Blinken to discuss Russian war in Ukraine on China visit - State Dept

During his visit to China, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken will discuss issues related to Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, including Beijing's so-called peace proposals, as well as the prevention of military support for Russian forces.

This was announced on Wednesday during a briefing in Washington by the spokesperson of the U.S. Department of State, Matthew Miller, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

"I would fully expect that topic to be part of the discussions on this visit," the spokesman for the State Department said when asked whether the prevention of China’s potential support for Russia will be discussed.

In this context, Miller recalled that the United States has repeatedly warned the Chinese side against such a step, and that as of today there is no evidence that China would supply Russia with any weapons.

Regarding the 12-point "peace plan" put forward by the PRC, the official noted that the United States welcomes any proposals that will ensure a "just and lasting" peace in Ukraine.

“China has said they're interested in pursuing peace but they've also been closely aligned with Russia since the outset of this war. So if China is serious about pursuing a peace that respects Ukraine's sovereignty, that respects Ukraine's territorial integrity, of course, that would be important, and that would be useful," the representative of the State Department emphasized.

He also expressed confidence that so-called peace proposals would also be “a matter of conversation" during Secretary Blinken's trip.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken intends to visit China on June 18-19, in accordance with the plan agreed between Beijing and Washington.

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