BEIJING (AFP) – China is seeking a ceasefire and peace talks between Ukraine and Russia in a vaguely worded proposal released about which analysts said they were unlikely to deliver results.
Beijing, which claims to be neutral in the war that began a year ago, has also said it has “infinite friendship” with Russia, criticizing its aggression against Ukraine and threatening to invade it. She accused the West of provoking conflict and supplying Ukraine with defensive weapons to “fan the flames.”
It calls for respect for “the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of all nations,” but does not mention what will happen to the territories occupied by Russia since the invasion.It also calls for “unilateral” sanctions against Russia. end, indirectly criticize the expansion of the NATO alliance, and condemn the nuclear threat. The proposal is “a public relations attempt by China,” said Li Mingjiang, a professor and international security expert at Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University. “I am not convinced that this policy will improve their credibility as honest brokers.”
After China issued the document, Zhanna Leschinska, Acting Minister of the Ukrainian Embassy in Beijing, made no mention, saying her country did not want peace at any cost.
An official response from Moscow was not immediately forthcoming, but senior Russian lawmaker Leonid Slutsky welcomed the plan, saying it included measures that meant “the end of the hegemony of Western groups”.
Ukrainian allies expressed skepticism. U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan told CNN his initial reaction to the proposal was, “It could end at Point 1 next.”
Please respect the sovereignty of all nations. “
Government spokesman Wolfgang Buchner said China’s proposal contained several key points, but one key point he was missing.
China abstained Thursday as the UN General Assembly passed a non-binding resolution calling on Russia to end hostilities in Ukraine and withdraw its troops.
In addition to calling for respect for sovereignty and an end to sanctions against Russia, the 12-point document will prevent attacks on civilians and civilian facilities, secure nuclear facilities, and establish humanitarian corridors for civilians. , seeks measures to ensure grain exports after the disruption. Food prices soared. It also called for an end to “Cold War mentality,” China’s standard term for what it sees as maintaining U.S. hegemony and alliances like NATO.
China’s foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin responded to questions about the proposal on Friday, saying the country’s actions showed it was “committed to peace talks” and critics in Beijing underestimated the talks. accused of doing so. China’s consistent efforts to support Russia means it supports Russia, but not excessively.
Neither side is likely to pay much attention to China’s proposal, but Beijing needs to clarify its position, said Shi Yinhong, a professor of international relations at Beijing Renmin University.
“China feels the need to repeat its self-perceived neutrality here to avoid international conclusions, not only by criticizing NATO, but also by distancing itself from Russia’s actions.
