Washington: A U.S. State Department spokesperson asserted on Friday that ongoing cooperation between China and Russia poses significant risks to the safety, security, and prosperity of the United States and other nations. This warning follows a joint statement by the leaders of China and Russia, which defended North Korea and criticized unilateral coercive measures.

According to Yonhap News Agency, on Thursday, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin issued a summit statement urging relevant states to abandon policies involving unilateral coercive measures and military pressure against North Korea. This collaboration between the two nuclear powers is seen as contributing to global instability, as stated by the U.S. State Department spokesperson, echoing sentiments previously expressed by President Trump.

The spokesperson also highlighted China’s role in supporting Russia amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The official emphasized that China is a significant enabler for Russia, supplying nearly 80 percent of the dual-use items necessary for Russia to sustain its military efforts in Ukraine.

Additionally, an official from Seoul’s foreign ministry described the joint statement by China and Russia as “regrettable,” further underscoring the concerns raised by the U.S. government regarding the implications of this alliance for international security.