China Call Could Stop Russia in Ukraine, US NATO Envoy Says

Article content(Bloomberg) — China is providing crucial support for Russia’s aggression in Ukraine and could end the war with a phone call, US Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker said.Sign In or Create an AccountEmail AddressContinueor View more offersArticle content“China could call Vladimir Putin and end this war tomorrow and cut off his dual-purpose technologies that they’re selling,” Whitaker said during a Friday panel at the Munich Security Conference. “China could stop buying Russian oil and gas.”Article contentWe apologize, but this video has failed to load.Try refreshing your browser, ortap here to see other videos from our team.Article content“You know, this war is being completely enabled by China,” the US envoy added during a panel on US foreign policy moderated by Bloomberg’s Francine Lacqua.Article contentArticle contentChina and Russia have forged an even tighter partnership since the start of the war, and Russia relies on China for critical parts and components for drones and other war material. China is also once again the biggest buyer of Russia’s crude oil shipments even as international pressure intensifies on Moscow’s critical oil trade. Article contentTop StoriesGet the latest headlines, breaking news and columns.There was an error, please provide a valid email address.Sign UpBy signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.Thanks for signing up!A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.The next issue of Top Stories will soon be in your inbox.We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try againInterested in more newsletters? Browse here.Article contentTracking data show 1.65 million barrels a day of crude offloaded at Chinese ports in January. That’s the most since March 2024 and the second-highest monthly total since Moscow’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.Article contentEven still, Beijing has repeatedly said it wants to have a “constructive” role in ending the crisis.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with his Ukrainian counterpart, Andrii Sybiha, in Munich this week and offered humanitarian aid to the country as it deals with Russian attacks against its energy system, according to readouts from both Sybiha and Beijing.Article contentDemocratic contenders in MunichArticle contentThe Munich conference, which extends from Friday to Sunday, attracts global policy leaders to discuss foreign relations and international security. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron are among the dignitaries assembled. Article contentArticle contentWhitaker was joined on the Munich Security Conference panel by two potential 2028 Democratic presidential contenders, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a New York Democrat, and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer. Article contentOther prominent Democratic political figures including California Governor Gavin Newsom traveled to the conference, seeking to reassure European allies of US commitment to the transatlantic alliance as President Donald Trump threatens to uproot relationships across the globe. Article content“The Democratic Party is here for our allies,” Ocasio-Cortez said. “The vast majority of the American people do not want to see these relationships frayed, and they are committed to our allies.”Article contentWhitmer said strains between the US and European allies, including trade tensions and Trump’s pressure campaign to obtain Greenland from Denmark, have ruptured allies’ trust in the US. However, she said that damage isn’t “a permanent, irredeemable change.”Article content“It will take time to rebuild but I’m confident that we’ll do that,” the Michigan governor said.Article contentWhitaker, who Trump appointed as his envoy to NATO, said the alliance is “stronger than ever” because of the US president’s pressure on allies to ramp up military spending.Article content“The United States of America keeps showing up, and we will keep showing up. We just expect our allies to be equally as strong,” Whitaker said.Article contentTrending Subscriber only. Donald Trump plans to roll back tariffs on steel and aluminium goods Subscriber only Financial Times As U.S. companies return to Venezuela's oilfields — one Canadian driller has a head start Oil & Gas CRA charged taxpayer instalment interest before he received all his GIC income Taxes Ontario issues first permit that opens up old mine tailings for exploration Mining This TSX top gainer's 25% leap prompts TD analyst to predict 'upward financial revisions' this year Investor Share this article in your social networkCommentsYou must be logged in to join the discussion or read more comments.Create an AccountSign in Join the Conversation Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion. Please keep comments relevant and respectful. Comments may take up to an hour to appear on the site. You will receive an email if there is a reply to your comment, an update to a thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information. Subscriber only. Donald Trump plans to roll back tariffs on steel and aluminium goods Subscriber only Financial Times As U.S. companies return to Venezuela's oilfields — one Canadian driller has a head start Oil & Gas CRA charged taxpayer instalment interest before he received all his GIC income Taxes Ontario issues first permit that opens up old mine tailings for exploration Mining This TSX top gainer's 25% leap prompts TD analyst to predict 'upward financial revisions' this year Investor