Xi says conflicts like Ukraine crisis in no one's interests

[BEIJING] Chinese President Xi Jinping told his US counterpart Joe Biden on Friday that conflicts and confrontations such as the events unfolding in Ukraine are in the interests of no-one, according to Chinese state media.

State-to-state relations cannot advance to the stage of confrontation, and conflicts and confrontations are not in the interests of anyone, Xi told Biden on a video call.

"The Ukraine crisis is something that we don't want to see," said Xi.

Xi said China and the United States must guide bilateral relations along the right track, and both sides should also shoulder due international responsibilities and make efforts for world peace.

The video call, which began just after 9pm, will be a chance for Biden to try and persuade Xi to give up any idea of bailing out Russia from the effects of Western sanctions or even sending military assistance for Russia's onslaught against neighbouring Ukraine.

Biden will pressure his counterpart to join Western pressure against Russia over the invasion of Ukraine, warning of "costs" if Beijing goes to the Kremlin's aid. REUTERS