Beijing –
China, a staunch ally of Russia, has called for a ceasefire and peace talks between Ukraine and Moscow to begin as part of a 12-point proposal to end the conflict.
The plan, announced by the Foreign Ministry on Friday morning, is to end Western sanctions imposed on Russia, take steps to ensure the security of its nuclear sites, establish humanitarian corridors for civilian evacuation, and post-turmoil. Global food prices have also soared, prompting measures to ensure exports of grains.
China claims to be neutral in the dispute, but has an “unbounded” relationship with Russia and refuses to criticize its aggression against Ukraine, not even mentioning it as such. By providing Ukraine with defensive weapons, the Flame”.
China and Russia are increasingly coordinating their foreign policies against the US-led liberal international order. Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited Moscow this week and met with Russian President Vladimir Putin to reaffirm the strength of these ties.
China has also been accused by the United States of possibly preparing to provide military aid to Russia, an accusation the Chinese government has said has no evidence.
Given China’s position, it calls into question whether its 12-point proposal has any prospect of moving forward, or whether China is seen as a bona fide intermediary.
Before the proposal was announced, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called it an important first step.
“In general, I think the fact that China has started talking about peace in Ukraine is not a bad thing. It is important that all countries are on our side and on the side of justice,” he said. said Friday’s press conference with the Spanish Prime Minister.
U.S. State Department spokesman Ned Price said on Thursday that while the U.S. reserves judgment, China’s pledge of loyalty to Russia means it is not a neutral mediator. “While I hope to see nothing more than a just and lasting peace, I am skeptical that reporting such proposals would be a constructive path forward.”
Price said the U.S. should “use its influence meaningfully and profitably to end this brutal war of aggression by all countries with which Russia has a different relationship than we have.” We want to boost Russia,” he added. We are in a position to do it in a way that we are not. ”
The peace plan mainly elaborated on positions China has long held, including referring to the need to “effectively guarantee the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity” of all countries.
It also called for an end to the “Cold War mentality” – the standard term for what we see as US hegemony and interference in other countries.
“One country’s security cannot come at the expense of another’s security, and regional security cannot be ensured by strengthening or expanding military blocs,” the proposal said. ‘s legitimate security interests and concerns should be taken seriously and addressed appropriately.”
China abstained Thursday as the UN General Assembly approved a non-binding resolution calling on Russia to end hostilities in Ukraine and withdraw its troops. She is one of her 16 countries to vote against or abstain from almost all of her five previous resolutions on Ukraine.
Drafted by Ukraine in consultation with its allies, the resolution passed 141 to 7 with 32 abstentions, sending a powerful message that seems to isolate Russia more than ever on the eve of the first anniversary of the invasion. rice field.
While China has not openly criticized Moscow, it has said the current conflict is “unpleasant” and has repeatedly said the use of nuclear weapons is completely unacceptable. It will use “all available means” to defend its territory.
“There are no winners in conflict,” the proposal said.
“All parties must maintain rationality and restraint … Russia and Ukraine will meet with each other and resume direct dialogue as soon as possible to facilitate the gradual escalation and easing of the situation, and finally to a comprehensive ceasefire.” support reaching”.
