The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China published this morning (Friday), on the anniversary of the Russia-Ukraine war, a position document, in which it is stated that China wishes to “prevent the crisis in Ukraine from getting out of control”. This, in the background of the growing pressure from the United States and its allies on the country, due to its growing partnership with Russia.
In the published position document, China’s Foreign Ministry called for the resumption of peace talks, an end to unilateral sanctions, and emphasized its opposition to the use of nuclear weapons. “Conflict and war benefit no one. All parties must remain rational and exercise restraint, avoid exacerbating tensions and prevent the crisis from deteriorating further or even getting out of control,” the document reads.
The 12-topic document is part of Beijing’s latest efforts to portray itself as a neutral peace broker as it struggles to balance its “borderless” friendship with Moscow and loosening relations with the West as the war drags on.
However, Beijing’s claim to neutrality is severely undermined by its refusal to acknowledge the nature of the conflict, which it has refrained from calling it an “invasion”, and continues with its diplomatic and economic support for Russia. Western officials have raised concerns that China may be considering providing Russia with lethal military aid, a charge denied by the country.
Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping (Photo: Maxim Shipenkov/Pool via Reuters)
China’s position document is mainly a repetition of the country’s existing position, which includes, as mentioned, a demand for both sides to resume peace talks. “Dialogue and negotiations are the only existing solution to the crisis in Ukraine,” it said, adding that China would play a “constructive role,” without providing details. The document also states that “the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of all countries must be effectively preserved”, but did not recognize Russia’s violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty, or even mention the word “invasion”. In a mild criticism of the US, the document noted that the “Cold War mentality” must be abandoned. The security of a region cannot be achieved by strengthening or expanding military blocs. The legitimate security interests and concerns of all countries must be taken seriously.”
The document also appeared to criticize the extensive economic sanctions imposed by the US and other Western countries on Russia. “Unilateral sanctions and maximum pressure cannot solve the issue, they only create new problems,” it said. “The relevant countries must stop abusing unilateral sanctions -lateralism and ‘long-arm jurisdiction’ against other countries, in order to contribute their part in mitigating the crisis in Ukraine.”