US presidential aide Sullivan says China will not mitigate damage from sanctions against Russia
Jake Sullivan. Photo: Shawn Thew/Globallookpress.com
US national security adviser Jake Sullivan, in an interview with CBS, questioned China's ability to compensate for Western sanctions against Russia. In his opinion, Beijing will not be able to mitigate the damage from possible restrictions that will follow in the event of an aggravation of the situation in Ukraine.
The official pointed out that the PRC and Russia account for 20 percent of the global economy, while the leading democracies account for half.
“China will not be able to compensate Russia for the losses it will suffer if the United States and its allies introduce economic measures,” Sullivan said.
He noted that the United States, together with its allies, will continue to prepare for “quick and harsh” consequences for Moscow in the event of an escalation of the situation around Ukraine, but recalled that Washington is still open to a diplomatic path to resolve the conflict.
Earlier, Assistant to the President for National Security Jake Sullivan said that the US authorities could not give an exact date for the Russian invasion of Ukraine, but expected that this could happen any day. “In addition, we believe that perhaps Russia can choose a diplomatic path,” he added.
Prior to this, US President Joe Biden named February 16 as the date for Russia's “invasion” of Ukraine. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken refused to confirm the American leader's statement in any way.
