Beijing –
China’s foreign minister, who has provided strong political support to Russia in its invasion of Ukraine, said on Tuesday that his country wants to play a role in ending the conflict.
Qin Gang told participants at a security conference in Beijing that China was concerned that the nearly year-long war could escalate further and spiral out of control.
China will continue to encourage peace talks and offer “Chinese wisdom” to bring about a political settlement, he said.
“At the same time, we urge relevant countries to immediately stop adding fuel to the fire, stop shifting the blame to China, and stop exaggerating the narrative of Ukraine today and Taiwan tomorrow.” Qin said. Concerns that the United States and its allies are preparing to attack Ukraine and that China is preparing to carry out threats to use force to assert its claim to island democracy Taiwan.
China has refused to condemn Russian aggression and atrocities against Ukrainian civilians, and has strongly criticized Western economic sanctions against Russia. In honor of Moscow, it still does not describe the conflict as aggression.
China and Russia have been coordinating their foreign policies to counter the United States, and just weeks before the invasion of Ukraine, the leaders of the two countries declared an “unrestricted” partnership. China also says Russia has been coaxed into using military force by her eastern expansion of NATO.
Nevertheless, Qin reiterated China’s assertion that it “always takes an objective and impartial stance on the merits of this issue.”
“China is deeply concerned that the situation could escalate and get out of hand,” Qin said. He said Chinese President Xi Jinping had put forward proposals that “played a responsible and constructive role in easing the situation and mitigating the crisis,” but did not provide details or evidence.
Qin said, “We will continue to promote peace negotiations, contribute China’s wisdom to the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis, and work with the international community to promote dialogue and consultation and address the concerns of all parties. , seeks common security,” he said.
China opposes criticism of Russia at the United Nations, but insists that all countries’ sovereignty and territorial integrity should be respected. This supports China’s claim to Taiwan, which separated from the mainland in a civil war more than 70 years ago.
Russian President Vladimir Putin may meet Chinese Communist Party Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Moscow, the Kremlin said on Monday.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov praised Russia-China relations as “multifaceted and allied”.
The statement coincided with U.S. President Joe Biden’s unannounced visit to Ukraine on Monday to meet with President Volodymyr Zelensky and express support for Kiev, one year after Russia’s invasion.
The king’s visit to Russia follows talks with Secretary of State Anthony Brinken on the sidelines of an international security conference in Munich on Saturday. Brinken repeatedly told Wang that China’s material support for Russian forces would provoke a strong reaction from Washington. , close economic ties with Russia have provided a lifeline for the Putin regime.
Meanwhile, Russia has expressed strong support for China and held a series of joint military exercises amid tensions with the United States over Taiwan, trade, human rights and China’s territorial claims in the South China Sea.
China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a lengthy statement on Tuesday outlining President Xi Jinping’s “Global Security Initiative” to promote lasting peace and development in the world. “
With only one mention of Russia’s aggression, he said the initiative would “support political resolution of hotspot issues such as the Ukraine crisis through dialogue and negotiations.”
At a daily press conference, Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin criticized the military aid provided to Ukraine by the United States and its allies, saying: We are making a profit,” he said.
“There are enough facts to show the true nature of the United States as a cause of trouble, rather than as a defender of world peace,” Wang said.
The United States has pledged about $113 billion in aid to Ukraine since last year, but European allies have pledged tens of billions more, welcoming millions of Ukrainian refugees fleeing the conflict. Such aid is funded by U.S. and other foreign taxpayers, and Ukraine is obliged to make repayments as it seeks to resist renewed attempts by Russia to reclaim previously conquered territories. there is no.
Wang also said that the “comprehensive strategic partnership” between China and Russia is based on “non-alignment, non-conflict, and non-targeting of third parties, within the sovereignty of the two independent states.” There is,” he defended.
He did not disclose details of Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s visit to Moscow, but said, “We will work with Russia to jointly promote the steady progress of bilateral relations in the direction decided by the two leaders, and protect each other’s legitimate rights and interests.” It’s an opportunity to protect and make a positive contribution to the world.” peace. “
