WASHINGTON, April 2. /TASS/. US President Joe Biden conveyed to his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping in a telephone conversation on Tuesday Washington's concern over Beijing's support for Moscow in connection with the conflict in Ukraine, a senior Washington administration official said.

According to her, during a telephone conversation with Xi Jinping, US President Joe Biden expressed concern about China's support for Russia's special military operation in Ukraine, as well as Beijing's efforts to help Russia rebuild its defense industrial base.

She also revealed that Russia has been the subject of diplomatic talks between China and the US since the beginning of the conflict in Ukraine. The official said the sides discussed providing lethal assistance and shared concerns about Russia's possible use of tactical nuclear weapons in Ukraine.

The official also pointed out that the US reportedly saw over time that China was beginning to help Russia rebuild its defense industrial base, particularly by allegedly mitigating the impact of sanctions from European partners and helping to supply components that are gradually leading to a buildup of Russian capabilities in Ukraine. According to a US administration official, these actions have long-term implications for European security.