Moscow
Russian President Vladimir Putin vehemently rejected assertions of an impending war between the United States and Russia or China, deeming such suggestions as baseless and detrimental to global stability. Speaking ahead of his visit to China this week, Putin emphasized the fallacy of suggestions put forth by a bipartisan panel appointed by the U.S. Congress, which proposed measures to prepare for potential simultaneous conflicts with Moscow and Beijing.
Labeling the notion of an imminent war between the superpowers as nonsense, Putin underlined the critical importance of promoting peace, while cautioning against fostering unfounded fears and tensions. He reiterated that the escalation of tensions, particularly in light of the AUKUS security alliance, had further strained relations between the United States and Beijing.
Highlighting the deepening partnership between China and Russia, Putin emphasized that the growing alliance is not indicative of a military collaboration, contrary to concerns expressed by Western nations. As the U.S. positions China as its primary competitor and Russia as its foremost nation-state threat, President Joe Biden has stressed the significance of the ongoing contest between democratic and authoritarian systems in shaping the trajectory of this century.
Putin further emphasized the stark contrast between potential conflicts and the military operation in Ukraine, emphasizing the complexities and gravity of engaging in warfare between nuclear powers. Citing the expanding nuclear arsenals of both Russia and China, the Russian President underscored the critical need for caution and the avoidance of any actions that could exacerbate tensions and potentially lead to catastrophic consequences.