China president Xi Jinping must use personal leverage on Vladimir Putin, says Kevin Rudd: The Australian
Former Australian prime minister Kevin Rudd has warned China risks a “deeply adverse” global reaction if the country doesn’t counsel Vladimir Putin against unleashing a nuclear weapon.
Mr Rudd, now based in New York as president of the Asia Society, said China had a key role to play in warning Mr Putin of the consequences of unleashing a tactical nuclear weapon, posting an editorial in the South China Morning Post and conducting an interview on British Sky News.
Mr Rudd told the British audience there was deep concern over Mr Putin’s sabre-rattling on the possible use of tactical nuclear weapons, noting that China was one of Russia’s few friends, offering political, diplomatic and continued economic support.