After Washington raised the prospect of excluding Moscow from the G20, Beijing on Wednesday described Russia as an “important member” of the group.
Russia, since it began the invasion of neighbouring Ukraine, has been isolated globally, with its economy tied up by sanctions. China, however, has provided a level of diplomatic protection to Russia.
Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin, speaking to reporters, said: “The G20 is the main forum for international economic cooperation. Russia is an important member, and no member has the right to expel another country.”
Following a visit by Russian President Vladimir Putin to Beijing for the Winter Olympics, the two countries had declared a relationship of “no limits”.
Wang’s comments came in the aftermath of a briefing by a top Washington security advisor on Tuesday indicating the US will lead pressure on Russia to be cut from international forums over its invasion of its neighbour.
Jake Sullivan, the White House National Security Advisor, had said: “On the question of the G20, I will just say this: We believe that it cannot be business as usual for Russia in international institutions and in the international community.”
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