NSC Spox-US Hopes China Does Not Do 'Business As Usual' w/Russia

US National Security Council spokesman John Kirby speaking to MSNBC states that the US hopes China 'does not do business as usual' with Russia.

• Comes as markets await headlines from first in-person meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping since the invasion of Ukraine was launched.
• Notable concern in the West of closer Sino-Russian relations, acting as bulwark against US. But China and Russia still strategic competitors, notably in Central Asia. Major setbacks for Moscow in invasion of Ukraine could cause Beijing pause for thought in offering full backing to Putin.
• No set timing on the meeting yet, Chinese state media has just stated that it will take place 'this afternoon' in Uzbekistan (GMT+5). Some short headlines possible in immediate aftermath of meeting, full readouts likely later in the day. Necessary to pay close attention to language used in Moscow/Beijing's separate readouts of events.
• Separately; Kirby: '[You] will see yet another assistance package for Ukraine soon'. Says US is still 'very concerned' about the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant in Ukraine.