Ukraine war: China urges ceasefire, negotiation

China has called for a comprehensive ceasefire and a gradual de-escalation of the Russian-Ukraine crisis.

China made the call in a 12-point foreign ministry paper on the first anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

“Conflict and war benefit no one. All parties must stay rational and exercise restraint, avoid fanning the flames and aggravating tensions, and prevent the crisis from deteriorating further or even spiralling out of control,” the ministry said in its paper.

The ministry paper is largely a reiteration of China’s line since Russia launched what it calls its “special military operation” on February 24 last year.

China has refrained from condemning its ally Russia or referring to its intervention in its neighbour as an “invasion” and it has also criticised Western sanctions on Russia.

The war entered its second year with no end in sight and Russia isolated at the United Nations, while G7 leaders are set to coordinate on more help for Ukraine.

Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to deliver a “peace speech” later on Friday to mark the anniversary in which he is likely to urge peace while avoiding condemnation of Russia.

Ukraine has consistently rejected calls for a ceasefire while Russian troops occupy its territory, saying any pause in fighting would enable Russia to regroup its troops.

Peace proposal

The ambassador of the European Union to China, Jorge Toledo, said China’s paper was not a peace proposal but the EU would study it closely, though he noted EU concern that the paper did not mention an aggressor.

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Toledo, speaking at a briefing for reporters in Beijing, said China had a special responsibility to defend and uphold the values of the United Nations Charter.

At the same briefing, Ukraine’s charge d’affaires called China’s paper “a good sign”, adding that Ukraine expected China to be more active in its political support.

Foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said critical comments on the paper from some diplomats had no basis and were aimed at smearing China.

“It would be better if they reflected on whether they have done anything for the political resolution of the Ukraine crisis,” Wang told a regular briefing.

Sanctions

U.S. President Joe Biden will meet virtually on Friday with G7 leaders and Ukrainian leader Zelenskiy to mark the anniversary and announce new sanctions against those aiding Russia’s war effort, the White House said.

China said the only sanctions that should be imposed on Russia should be endorsed by the U.N. Security Council – where the Russians hold veto power – and unilateral sanctions and pressure “only create new problems”.

“China opposes unilateral sanctions unauthorised by the U.N. Security Council. Relevant countries should stop abusing unilateral sanctions and ‘long-arm jurisdiction’ against other countries.” It said.

Zainab Sa’id