Jens Stoltenberg, Secretary General of NATO, expressed support on Tuesday for “any initiative that can lead to lasting peace,” referring to China’s president’s contribution to a plan to end the war in Ukraine. Stoltenberg warns of the importance of respecting “territorial sovereignty” to ensure lasting peace.
“A ceasefire or any other solution that does not respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity will only be a way to freeze the war and allow Russia to reassemble, regroup and strike again.” he stated, assuming that “this will not be a just and lasting peace and will only help Russia keep the territory it has illegally occupied”.
NATO’s secretary general admits there are some expectations about Xi Jinping’s trip to Moscow, especially as the agenda for meetings with Vladimir Putin includes discussion of China’s contribution to a peace plan.
“We welcome any initiative, any plan that can lead to a just and lasting peace,” Stoltenberg said. “China’s peace proposal contains some positive aspects and elements that I support. For example, the importance of nuclear safety, the protection of civilians and, last but not least, what underpins the importance of sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence,” he added.
Stoltenberg makes no secret of an apparent discomfort with regard to the ‘proximity pattern’ between Beijing and Moscow, which existed even before the war. Therefore, leave a warning to Xi Jinping.
“China should not be allowed to provide deadly aid to Russia. That would amount to supporting an illegal war, which only serves to prolong the war and support Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine. This is clearly something China should not be doing. “he warned, though he admitted that NATO “has no evidence” that these deliveries are taking place.
Source: DN
