China Hits Back at US Criticism of Ukraine Peace Efforts

China on Wednesday hit back at US criticism of Beijing’s efforts to push for peace talks to end the fighting in Ukraine as Chinese President Xi Jinping concluded his three-day visit to Moscow.

National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters on Tuesday that China was not “impartial” due to its relationship with Russia, comments that drew a rebuke from the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

“The US says China’s position cannot be seen as impartial. Does that mean pouring weapons into the conflict should be seen as impartial? Does that mean causing the crisis to escalate should be seen as impartial?” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said.