The US State Department has expressed concern over the improving relationship between China and Russia, following the recent joint naval drills conducted by the two countries. State Department spokesman Vedant Patel, in a press briefing, discussed an upcoming summit between the US, Japan, and South Korea, stating that the gathering would focus on the People’s Republic. While Patel denied that the meeting would harm US efforts to re-establish communication channels with China, he voiced worries about Russia-China ties.
The concern from the US comes after several guided-missile destroyers were sent by Washington to shadow a Russian-Chinese naval patrol near the coast of Alaska during a joint military drill. Republican lawmakers labeled the incident as an “incursion,” with Senator Dan Sullivan from Alaska calling for the US to confront “authoritarian aggression.” However, Liu Pengyu, the spokesman for the Chinese Embassy in Washington, maintained that the action was not targeted at any third party and had nothing to do with the current international and regional situation.
The State Department’s concerns about the Russia-China relationship come at a time when Russia has become one of China’s top trade partners. US officials have also criticized the growing economic ties between the two countries. The White House has accused Beijing of assisting Moscow in the conflict in Ukraine, while China argues that it is merely engaging in normal economic and trade cooperation with Russia and other countries around the world.
The Russian Navy has stated that it will continue its cooperation with the Chinese navy, with the joint patrol traveling through various bodies of water including the Sea of Japan, La Perouse Strait, the Sea of Okhotsk, and the Kamchatka Strait. The Chinese Foreign Ministry has emphasized that its bilateral ties with Russia do not target any third party and should not be subject to interference or coercion. They have urged the US to focus on its own affairs.
The US concerns about the Russia-China relationship and the joint naval exercises reflect the larger geopolitical tensions in the region. The US has been seeking to strengthen its relations with countries in the Asia-Pacific region to counterbalance China’s growing influence. The summit between the US, Japan, and South Korea is expected to address these concerns and discuss ways to maintain stability and security in the region.
In conclusion, the US State Department has expressed concerns about the improving relationship between China and Russia, particularly in light of the recent joint naval exercises. While the US is seeking to re-establish communication channels with China, it remains wary of the close ties between Russia and China. These concerns reflect the broader geopolitical tensions in the region and the US’s efforts to maintain stability and security in the Asia-Pacific region.
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