US CIA chief claims China carefully looking at Ukraine war to revisit Taiwan policy

Russia's invasion of Ukraine has also prompted concerns for Taiwan as China claims  full sovereignty of independent country. US Central Intelligence Agency Director William Burns stated at a Financial Times event in Washington that China is closely observing Russia's conflict in Ukraine and that it has affected Chinese leers' calculations on Taiwan. CIA Director said Chinese leership h been struck by Ukraine's vigorous resistance to Russia's invasion, as well as economic price Russia is facing in war. 

Burns went on to say that he believes Chinese leership is carefully looking at Russia's aggression in Ukraine and considering  costs and repercussions of any attempt to take control of Taiwan by force. He warned that whatever happens in Ukraine, it would not change Chinese President Xi Jinping's long-term objectives on Taiwan. He said that he doesn't believe that this has weakened Xi's ambition to acquire control of Taiwan over time. However, he did say that Ukraine's resistance is influencing ir decision on how and when to approach.

China has declined to denounce Russia's military campaign in Ukraine and has condemned Western sanctions against Moscow. Several weeks before February 24 invasion, during start of Winter Olympics in Beijing, China and Russia established a "no-limits" strategic cooperation. US has stated that if found that China is helping Russia in its aggression in Ukraine, it will face severe consequences. US has also supported Taiwan and has a declared policy stating that it will deploy military force in Taiwan's defence if it is necessary.

Putin thinks he cannot afford to lose war in Ukraine: CIA Director

However, Burns stated that despite China's relationship with Russia, Beijing is concerned about reputational harm connected with Russian President Vlimir Putin's military operation. Talking about Putin, Burns stated that  Russian President thinks he cannot afford to lose war in Ukraine and is "doubling down" on conflict, but re are no signs that he plans to utilize tactical nuclear weapons in country. He claimed that despite Russian forces' failure to conquer Kyiv and ir struggles to progress in sourn Donbass region, Russian President Vlimir Putin has not changed his mind.

(Image: AP)