China says it is ‘impartial’ on Ukraine and denies aiding Russia
15 March 2022, 10:54
Beijing has refused to criticise Russia, and only refers to the invasion as ‘the Ukraine issue’.
Chinese officials have said the government’s stance on the Ukraine conflict is “completely objective, impartial and constructive”, and repeated accusations that the US is spreading misinformation over reports Beijing has responded positively to a Russian request for military supplies.
Beijing has refused to criticise Russia over its invasion of Ukraine, or even to refer to the conflict as a “war”.
Foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian’s comments came after US national security adviser Jake Sullivan and senior Chinese foreign policy adviser Yang Jiechi met in Rome on Monday, with the Biden administration increasingly concerned that China is using the Ukraine war to advance Beijing’s long-term interest in its competition with the United States.
Also on Tuesday, the European Union ambassador to China, Nicolas Chapuis, called on China to support Ukraine, saying: “There can be no so-called neutrality.”
Speaking to reporters at a daily briefing, Mr Zhao said the “US has created and spread disinformation … This is not only unprofessional, but also immoral and irresponsible”.
He added: “What the US should do is to deeply reflect on the role it has played in the development and evolving of the Ukraine crisis, and do something practical to ease the tension in Ukraine.”
This remark was a nod towards China’s contention that Russia was provoked by Nato’s expansion and threats to its security.
At his meeting with Mr Yang, Mr Sullivan sought clarity on Beijing’s posture, warning the Chinese that assistance for Russia – including helping it avert sanctions imposed by the US-led bloc – would be costly for them.
The Kremlin has denied reports it requested Chinese military equipment for use in the war.
In keeping with Russian preferences, Mr Zhao has referred to the war as the “Ukraine issue”.
Beijing also opposes sanctions that are pummelling the Russian economy.
Mr Zhao repeated assertions that China was “deeply grieved” by “the situation today”, and said it was committed to promoting peace talks.
“China’s position and statement on the Ukraine issue is completely objective, impartial and constructive,” Mr Zhao said.
“We have a clear goal, that is to promote the de-escalation of the situation and end the conflict as soon as possible.”
Mr Zhao also said a third batch of humanitarian aid sent by China for Ukraine arrived in Poland on Monday.
In his comments, the EU’s Mr Chapuis urged China to support Ukraine and “help Europe to stop the war”.
“We really call upon all our Chinese friends to name the aggressor and to stand by the victim,” the ambassador said at a roundtable hosted by the Centre for China and Globalisation, a Beijing-based think tank.
