China, a staunch Russian ally, has called for a ceasefire and the start of peace talks between Ukraine and Moscow as part of a 12-point proposal to end the conflict.
The plan, released Friday morning by the foreign ministry, calls for an end to Western sanctions imposed on Russia, measures to ensure the safety of nuclear facilities, establish humanitarian corridors for the evacuation of civilians and ensure grain exports after disruptions. It has also been urged to take steps. Caused a jump in global food prices.
China claims to be neutral in the conflict, but has “no border” relations with Russia and has refused to criticize or even mention its invasion of Ukraine. while accusing the West of inciting and “spreading” the conflict. Flames ”by providing defensive weapons to Ukraine.
China and Russia have increasingly aligned their foreign policies to oppose the liberal international order led by the US. Foreign Minister Wang Yi reaffirmed the strength of those ties when he met Russian President Vladimir Putin during a visit to Moscow this week.
China has also been accused by the US of possibly preparing to provide military aid to Russia, which Beijing says is lacking evidence.
Given China’s position, it raises doubts whether its 12-point proposal has any hope of going ahead – or whether China is seen as an honest broker.
Before the resolution was released, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called it an important first step.
“I think that, in general, the fact that China started talking about peace in Ukraine, I think is not bad. It is important for us that all states are on our side , are on the side of justice, ”he said on Friday at a press conference with Spain’s prime minister.
State Department spokesman Ned Price said earlier on Thursday that the US would reserve the decision but that China’s allegiance with Russia meant it was not a neutral arbiter. He said, “We would like to see nothing but a just and lasting peace… but we doubt that the report of such a proposal will be a constructive way forward.”
Price said that the US hopes that “all countries that have a relationship with Russia, contrary to what we have, will use that leverage, use that influence to meaningfully and usefully bring Russia to an end to this brutal war of aggression.” (China) is in a position to do that in a way that we are not doing.
The peace proposal mainly elaborated on long-standing Chinese conditions, including the requirement that the “sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of all countries be effectively guaranteed.”
It also called for an end to the “Cold War mentality” – its standard term for what it regards as US hegemony and interference in other countries.
“The security of one country cannot be at the expense of the security of other countries, and cannot be guaranteed by strengthening regional security or even expanding military blocs,” the resolution said. “The legitimate security interests and concerns of all countries must be taken seriously and addressed appropriately.”
China was absent on Thursday when the UN General Assembly approved a non-binding resolution calling on Russia to end hostilities in Ukraine and withdraw its troops. It is one of 16 countries that voted against or voted against almost all of the five previous resolutions on Ukraine.
The resolution, drafted by Ukraine in consultation with its allies, was passed 141-7 with 32 abstentions, sending a strong message on the eve of the first anniversary of the invasion that would have left Russia more isolated than ever. Is.
While China does not openly criticize Moscow, it has said that the current conflict is “not something it wants to see,” and has repeatedly stated that any use of nuclear weapons would be totally unacceptable, Putin In an implicit rebuttal to the statement that Russia would use “all available means” to defend its territory.
The preamble states, “There are no winners in conflict wars.”
“All sides should maintain rationality and restraint…Russia and Ukraine should support each other to meet, resume direct dialogue as soon as possible, promote gradual de-escalation and de-escalate the situation ease off, and eventually reach a comprehensive ceasefire.” ,
