China says relations with Russia are "rock solid"

Chinese Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, speaking to the National People’s Congress on Monday, said that the relationship between China and Russia was “rock-solid” and reassured Russia of their “everlasting friendship”

As Western Countries, Japan, South Korea and others condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Wang, China’s preeminent diplomat, criticised the United States for trying to “revive the cold war mindset” and attempting to institute an “Indo-Pacific version of NATO”. China, who signed an agreement with Russia at the Beijing Winter Olympics which covered space, climate change, and AI, stated on Monday, 7 March, that “No matter how precarious and challenging the international situation may be, China and Russia will maintain strategic focus and steadily advance our comprehensive strategic partnership coordination for a new era.” China has abstained from two United Nations votes condemning Russia’s actions in Ukraine and has denounced the imposition of widespread international sanctions.

However, only days ago, Dmytro Kuleba, Ukrainian Foreign Minister, declared that China had assured them that they would help stop the war and secure a ceasefire, saying “Chinese diplomacy has sufficient tools to make a difference and we count that it is already involved . . . and that their efforts will be successful,” after a call with his Chinese counterpart.

In his speech, Wang expressed Beijing’s desire for “dialogue” and “negotiations”, but did not elaborate on the specific measures China has taken or would take in this regard. The Chinese Foreign Minister announced that his country would provide humanitarian aid through the Chinese Red Cross and is organizing the evacuation of Chinese nationals from Ukraine.

Wang's statement in the National People’s Congress highlights the delicate situation China finds itself in. China, who only weeks ago declared its relationship with Russia to be “without limits”, has had to manage its position as an advocate for peace, as well as its ambitions regarding Taiwan. China wishes to assert its control over Taiwan, which it considers part of its territory, by any means necessary. Nevertheless, China attempts to maintain a coherent stance on this matter by distinguishing the two disputes, characterising its relationship with Taiwan as a “domestic issue”, while saying that the Russia-Ukraine conflict is between two sovereign states.

Source: CommonSpace.eu with The Financial Times (London), AsiaNews (Milan), and other media agencies
Picture: Wang Yi in his speech to the National People’s Congress

Related articles

Editor's choice
News
Borrell tells the European Parliament that the situation in Afghanistan was critical, but the EU will remain engaged

Borrell tells the European Parliament that the situation in Afghanistan was critical, but the EU will remain engaged

Borrell underlined that the European Union will make every effort to support the peace process and to remain a committed partner to the Afghan people. "Of course, we will have to take into account the evolving situation, but disengagement is not an option.  We are clear on that: there is no alternative to a negotiated political settlement, through inclusive peace talks.
Editor's choice
News
Tension between Poland and Ukraine over proposed ban on Ukrainian nationalist flag

Tension between Poland and Ukraine over proposed ban on Ukrainian nationalist flag

Relations between Warsaw and Kyiv are heading towards a rift following to a proposal by the Polish president to amend legislation banning symbols in Poland used by Ukrainian nationalists during WWII prohibiting the display of Nazi and communist flags and signs. President Karol Nawrocki said his proposed amendment to the law would lead to the banning of “Banderite symbols” such as the red-and-black flag used by the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) and the Stepan Bandera wing of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN). 

Popular

Editor's choice
News
Tension between Poland and Ukraine over proposed ban on Ukrainian nationalist flag

Tension between Poland and Ukraine over proposed ban on Ukrainian nationalist flag

Relations between Warsaw and Kyiv are heading towards a rift following to a proposal by the Polish president to amend legislation banning symbols in Poland used by Ukrainian nationalists during WWII prohibiting the display of Nazi and communist flags and signs. President Karol Nawrocki said his proposed amendment to the law would lead to the banning of “Banderite symbols” such as the red-and-black flag used by the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) and the Stepan Bandera wing of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN).