China called for a ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia on Friday and argued that dialogue is the only way to reach a viable solution to the conflict, in a 12-point proposal.
The plan, released by the Chinese Foreign Ministry, also called for an end to Western sanctions against Russia, measures to ensure the safety of nuclear facilities, the establishment of humanitarian corridors for the evacuation of civilians, and actions to guarantee the export of cereals. after supply disruptions caused prices to rise around the world.
The first point stressed the importance of “respecting the sovereignty of all countries”, referring to Ukraine. “Universally recognized international law must be strictly observed, including the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations,” reads the proposal released by Chinese diplomacy.
“The sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of all countries must be effectively preserved,” he said.
China has said it is neutral in the conflict but has an “unlimited” relationship with Russia and has refused to criticize the invasion of Ukraine. Beijing accused the West of provoking the conflict and “fed the flames” by supplying Ukraine with defensive weapons.
The Chinese government has called for an end to the “Cold War mentality,” a term Beijing often uses to criticize US foreign policy.
“The security of a region should not be achieved by strengthening or expanding military blocs,” the document states, implicitly criticizing NATO enlargement. “The legitimate interests and security concerns of all countries must be taken seriously and dealt with appropriately,” it stresses.
Beijing argued that all parties should contribute to “forging a balanced, effective and sustainable European security architecture.”
And he assured that “it is willing to play a constructive role”, but pointed out that “complex problems do not have simple solutions”.
On Thursday, China abstained when the UN General Assembly passed a non-binding resolution calling on Russia to end hostilities in Ukraine and withdraw its forces. China is one of 16 countries that voted against or abstained from almost all five previous resolutions on Ukraine.
The resolution, drafted by Ukraine in consultation with its allies, was approved by 141 votes in favor. Seven countries voted against and 32 abstained. The document sends a strong message on the eve of the first anniversary of the invasion and leaves Russia more isolated than ever.
However, Beijing considers the partnership with Moscow essential to oppose the liberal democratic order, led by the United States.
Foreign Minister Wang Yi reaffirmed the importance of ties with Russia during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin this week in Moscow.
The United States also accused China of possibly preparing to provide military support to Russia.
Before today’s proposal was published, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called it an important first step.
“I think that, in general, the fact that China has started to talk about peace in Ukraine is not bad,” he said at a joint press conference with the president of the Spanish Government. “It is important to us that all states are on our side, on the side of justice,” he added.
Chinese President Xi Jinping previously expressed “questions and concerns” about the conflict during a meeting with Putin, and openly opposed the use and threat of nuclear weapons after his Russian counterpart suggested the use of atomic weapons in Ukraine.
Source: TSF
