America says China cannot choose both Russia and the West

`China cannot have it both ways like this. If they gain one, they must accept losing the other. China cannot both want to have better relations with Europe and other countries and continue to encourage

The comments were made in the context of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s state visit to China.

Mr. Xi also said that China `looks forward to soon restoring peace and stability on the European continent`.

The US has long said that China does not directly send weapons to Russia, but supports Moscow in expanding its largest defense industry since the Soviet era.

During the press conference, Patel continued to accuse China’s support for the Russian defense industry of `not only threatening Ukraine’s security, but also threatening European security.`

When asked about China’s declaration of support for the Ukrainian peace process, Mr. Patel said `in our view, the solution is very simple, that is just for Russia to withdraw from Ukraine.`

Russian President Vladimir Putin (left) and Chinese President Xi Jinping exchanged documents signed between the two countries in Beijing on May 16.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said the US did not `see anything new` in the Russia-China joint statement.

Russia and China have not yet commented on the US statements.

Yury Ushakov, a Kremlin official, said the joint statement between the two leaders was 30 pages long, emphasizing the special nature of bilateral relations and outlining the next developments of the complex intertwined relationship.

This is President Putin’s first foreign trip since he was sworn in for his fifth term on May 7.

Russia and China agreed on an `unlimited` strategic partnership in February 2022.

Experts say Russia and China are moving closer together amid increasing tensions with the West.