Doesn’t sound like Biden changed Xi’s mind about Russia during their phone call

Chinese media began posting details of the call hours ago, while it was in progress, a tactic they’ve taken lately in hopes of shaping public perceptions before the White House issues its own readout of what was said.That readout is now available. It’s not super encouraging.
I suppose it was naive to expect a breakthrough today in which Xi formally put some distance between China and Russia on Ukraine, never mind the sudden turn against Russia in Chinese media. The call was advertised beforehand as an opportunity for Biden to threaten Xi with sanctions if China granted Russia’s request for military and economic aid. Under those circumstances, it was unrealistic to expect Xi to make any sudden concessions. To do so would have looked weak.
Maybe he’ll make those concessions quietly in the weeks ahead? A boy can dream.

It took the White House four hours to craft this readout of Biden’s call w/ Xi (while Xi’s side has been out there for hours) pic.twitter.com/y5WxsdeV95
— Zeke Miller (@ZekeJMiller) March 18, 2022

China’s readout of the call focuses on Taiwan before shifting to Ukraine. The key bit comes a …

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