Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Figure: Flip the World Wide Web (file photo)
Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, China’s attitude seems to acquiesce to aggression. According to Chinese state media CCTV News, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi spoke on the phone with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba at an appointment today. When introducing the situation of the first round of negotiations between Ukraine and Russia to Wang Yi, Kuleba emphasized that ending the war is the Uruguay side’s top priority, and the Uzbek side is willing to continue to advance the negotiation; he expects the Chinese side to mediate for the realization of the ceasefire. Although Wang Yi mentioned that “the security of one country cannot be at the expense of the security of another country”, he was still reluctant to condemn Russia’s aggression.
Kuleba mentioned that although the current negotiation is not going smoothly, the Uzbek side remains calm and is willing to continue the negotiation. China has played a constructive role on the Ukraine issue. Ukraine is willing to strengthen communication with China and looks forward to China’s mediation for the realization of the ceasefire. Wang Yi responded that the situation in Ukraine has changed rapidly. China deplores the outbreak of conflict between Ukraine and Russia, and is extremely concerned about the harm to civilians.
On February 21, Russia announced the separation of eastern Ukraine’s Donnetsk and Luhansk regions as independent entities, and immediately launched aggression. Wang Yi claimed that China’s basic position on the Ukraine issue is open, transparent and consistent. Always advocate respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of countries. In response to the current crisis, China calls on Ukraine and Russia to find a solution to the problem through negotiations, and supports all constructive international efforts that are conducive to a political solution.
Wang Yi pointed out that China has always believed that “one country’s security cannot be at the expense of other countries’ security, and regional security cannot be achieved by expanding military blocs.” In response to the expansion of the fighting, the top priority is to ease the situation on the ground as much as possible, to prevent the conflict from escalating or even getting out of control, especially to prevent harm to civilians and humanitarian crises, and to ensure the safe and timely access of humanitarian aid. Wang Yi also asked Ukraine to “take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of Chinese citizens in Ukraine, and continue to provide guarantee and convenience for the evacuation of Chinese citizens”.