China calls for ceasefire in Ukraine

A long-awaited 12-point note released by the foreign ministry in Beijing on Friday also calls for the immediate resumption of negotiations between Ukraine and Russia. “Dialogue and negotiations are the only viable solution to the crisis in Ukraine,” the position paper says. However, China’s efforts to become more involved in proposals have previously been viewed with skepticism, as China has not yet condemned Russia’s offensive war.

“All parties must support Russia and Ukraine to work in the same direction and ultimately achieve a comprehensive ceasefire,” the document said. “Conflict and war serve no one. All parties must remain rational, exercise restraint, not fan the flames and prevent the crisis from worsening or even getting out of hand.” China also demands strict adherence to the principles of the United Nations.

“The sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of all countries must be effectively maintained,” says the paper’s first point, in which observers often refer to Ukraine’s original borders. At the same time, however, it also calls for the “legitimate security interests of all countries to be taken seriously”. Diplomats see this wording as a clear indication of Russia’s argument that it must defend itself against the United States and NATO.

In the document, China also calls for mitigation of the strategic risks of war: “Nuclear weapons should not be used and nuclear wars should not be fought.” The threat of using nuclear weapons must also be rejected.

The paper is entitled “China’s Position on the Political Solution to the Crisis in Ukraine”. However, diplomats in Beijing were hesitant to describe the proposals as a “new peace initiative” or “peace plan”. Reference was made to China’s particular proximity to Russia and its lack of neutrality. Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine began a year ago, China has always supported Russian President Vladimir Putin, with the US and NATO being the real cause of the crisis.

(SDA)

Source: Blick