U.S. Reps. Mike Garcia (R-CA) and Young Kim (R-CA) urged President Joe Biden to utilize all diplomatic and economic tools at his disposal to ensure the People’s Republic of China cannot militarily or financially support the Russian Federation’s war on Ukraine.
“It is critical that China understands that aiding Russia at this time would be a decision that would lead to a severe sanctions regime,” the members wrote in a March 15 letter sent to Biden that was also signed by U.S. Reps. Mike Gallagher (R-WI) and Diana Harshbarger (R-TN).
The lawmakers highlighted the crucial role China plays as Russia’s biggest trading partner, noting “it is critical to prevent Beijing from undermining the rest of the global community in condemning the invasion of Ukraine and presenting a unified effort to cripple the Russian war effort.”
Reps. Garcia, Kim, and their colleagues also wrote that if China fails to comply, then the country also should experience the same sanctions as those imposed on Russia by the global community.
“If China does not fully comply with economic sanctions against Russia or if it provides Russia with military assistance, the United States must hold China to the same account as we have held Russia,” the lawmakers wrote. “During this moment of uncertainty, swift and decisive action is needed to keep our allies and our rivals alike aligned against Putin, who has made his country into a pariah state to satisfy his own deluded ambitions.”
Additionally, the lawmakers stressed that because Russia is killing innocent civilians, any country that aids Russia should likewise be considered as “aiding and abetting” a war criminal who has launched an unprovoked attack against a sovereign nation, and who is actively violating the Geneva Conventions.
“Aiding Russia at this time is tantamount to attacking Ukraine with them. Your administration must turn up the pressure on China at this critical juncture,” wrote the members. “The world needs strong American leadership now more than ever.”
