US Reacts To Putin-Xi Jinping Hug: Observations And Concerns Rise Amid Growing Russia-Chinese Relations

The recent meeting between Russia's President Vladimir Putin and China's Premier Xi Jinping has elicited a reaction from the United States.

Hugs were exchanged between Putin and Jinping, demonstrating the growing friendship between the two countries.

Photo Credit: PTI

US Reacts To Putin-Xi Jinping Hug

When asked about the significance of photos showing the two US adversaries embracing, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby responded, "Exchanging hugs? Well, that's nice for them," during a briefing, as reported by Hindustan Times. Kirby added, "I'm not good at talking about personal human bodily affection one way or the other. I think I'll leave it to these two gents to talk about why they thought it was good to hug one another."

Kirby further stated that the United States was not surprised by the outcomes of the meeting between Putin and Jinping. "We didn't see anything coming out of this meeting that we were necessarily surprised by," he said. However, he emphasized that the relationship between Russia and China was still a concern.

"I wouldn't go so far as to say we weren't concerned about this relationship and where it's going. We're watching," he added. Putin's visit to China marked his first foreign trip since being re-elected as Russia's President. The visit occurred amid US accusations that Chinese companies have been aiding Russia with technology amid the war in Ukraine, as reported by Hindustan Times.

China has indirectly supported Russia during its ongoing war against Ukraine, with economic ties between the two countries continuing to grow. During his visit to China, Putin praised the support from the country. "I will inform the President of the People's Republic of China about the situation surrounding the Ukraine crisis. We are grateful to our Chinese friends and colleagues for the initiatives they are putting forward to resolve this problem," Putin said, as per media reports.

Meanwhile, Taiwan has publicly claimed that China and Russia support each other's expansionist ambitions. Taiwan has been facing increased Chinese surveillance and interference in its territory.