Silence on Russia: China accuses US of escalating Ukraine dispute

silence on russia
China accuses US of escalating conflict in Ukraine

02/23/2022 1:42 pm

China accused the US of further fueling the Ukraine conflict with its sanctions and arms supplies. On the other hand, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs avoids questions about sanctions against Russia. It is not clear how this is in line with the sovereignty of Ukraine demanded by China.

China has accused the US of converting the situation in the Ukraine crisis into sanctions against Russia and supplying weapons to Kiev. State Department spokeswoman Hua Chunying said the US actions “increased tensions” and “created panic.” “If someone throws fuel in the fire and blames others, that behavior is irresponsible and immoral.” Beijing has so far taken a cautious approach to the Ukraine conflict.

Russia on Monday recognized the independence of separatist regions in eastern Ukraine and announced it would send Russian troops. In response, US President Joe Biden on Tuesday announced financial sanctions against Moscow and further arms sales to Ukraine. Great Britain, the European Union, Japan and Australia also decided sanctions against Moscow.

Asked by journalists about possible Chinese punitive measures against Russia, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman replied: “Sanctions have never been a fundamental and effective way of solving problems.” He said China “calls on all sides to respect and attach importance to each other’s legitimate security concerns” and seek solutions through dialogue.

China for Ukraine’s sovereignty

At their heads of state meeting in Beijing in early February, Russia and China closed ranks over the Ukraine crisis and other security issues. Presidents Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping issued a joint statement in which they called, among other things, to halt the expansion of NATO.

However, Beijing later indicated that it would not support Putin if troops were sent to Ukraine. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told the Munich Security Conference over the weekend that the sovereignty of all countries should be respected. “Ukraine is no exception,” he said. At an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council on Monday, China did not explicitly condemn Russia’s actions but called on all sides to the conflict to “restrain”.