White House National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communications, John Kirby (AP)

White House National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communications, John Kirby, said on Tuesday that Russia's record oil exports to China are one example of the two countries' growing collaboration regarding Ukraine.

US media had reported on Monday that Russia has become China's top oil supplier, replacing Saudi Arabia, after Moscow increased its oil exports to Beijing by 55%.

“This is just a piece of China's willingness to continue to go along with Russia and we're seeing this as a yet another example of a growing collaboration between China and Russia with respect to Ukraine,” Kirby said during a press briefing.

The Financial Tribune had revealed in early May that China's independent refiners were purchasing Russian oil at substantial discounts.

In a related context, US President Joe Biden said on Tuesday that he is planning on holding discussions with his Chinese counterpart, but has not yet scheduled the talks.

The last summit held between the two presidents took place in November last year, following an increase in tensions between the two countries over Taiwan.