**US Envoy Warns China Over Subsidizing Russia’s War in Ukraine, Calls It “Strategic Miscalculation”**
In a recent interview with Fox Business, US Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker issued a stern warning to China: if it continues to support Russia’s war efforts in Ukraine, it may face consequences. This comes as the US imposes severe secondary tariffs on Russia unless it agrees to end the war within 50 days.
Whitaker accused China of trying to keep the US and its allies occupied with the war in Ukraine, so that they can’t focus on other strategic challenges. He also claimed that China thinks it’s fighting a proxy war through Russia. This statement suggests that Whitaker believes China is actively working to undermine Western interests by supporting Russia’s actions.
The US strategy aims to pressure Russia by curbing its oil and gas income, which accounts for one-third of federal revenue and remains a vital source of funding for its war effort. If China continues to buy Russian oil, exports to the US could face a 100% tariff, significantly raising prices for American consumers and squeezing Chinese exporters.
**China’s Close Ties with Russia**
China has been one of Russia’s closest wartime economic partners. It is Moscow’s top crude oil buyer and a major supplier of dual-use goods used in Russia’s defense sector. This close relationship between China and Russia has raised concerns in Ukraine, where President Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly warned of China’s role in prolonging the war and accused it of siding with the Kremlin.
**Implications for US-China Relations**
The situation is likely to further strain US-China relations. The US has already imposed tariffs on Chinese goods, and this latest move could escalate tensions between the two superpowers. If China continues to defy US pressure, it may face significant economic consequences.
**Upcoming Summit Between Putin and Xi Jinping**
In September, Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to visit China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit, where he will meet Chinese leader Xi Jinping. This meeting may become a crucial moment in the escalating tensions between Russia, China, and the US.
