China says it’s ‘impartial’ on Ukraine, denies aiding Russia

Yang Jiechi, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the CPC Central Committee (left) meets with U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan in Rome

China yesterday said its stance on the Ukraine conflict is “completely objective, impartial and constructive,” and repeated accusations the U.S. is spreading misinformation over reports Beijing has responded positively to a Russian request for military supplies.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian’s comments came after U.S. adviser Jake Sullivan and senior Chinese foreign policy adviser Yang Jiechi met in Rome earlier, 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 yesterday, the European Union ambassador to China, Nicolas Chapuis, called on China to support Ukraine. “There can be no so-called neutrality,” he said.

Speaking to reporters at a daily briefing, Zhao said the “U.S. has created and spread disinformation … This is not only unprofessional, but also immoral and irresponsible.”

“What the U.S. 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,” he said, in a nod to China’s contention that Russia was provoked by NATO’s expansion and threats to its security.

At his meeting with Yang, Sullivan sought clarity on Beijing’s posture, warning the Chinese anew that assistance for Russia — including helping it avert sanctions imposed by the U.S.-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, Zhao has referred to the war as the “Ukraine issue.” Beijing also opposes sanctions that are pummeling the Russian economy.

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,” 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.”

Zhao also said a third batch of humanitarian aid sent by China for Ukraine arrived in Poland yesterday [Macau time].

In his comments, the EU’s 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 Center for China and Globalization, a Beijing-based thinktank, the Associated Press reported.

Taiwan and the 

China-US consensus

According to Xinhua, both sides conducted candid, in-depth and constructive communication over China-U.S. relations, as well as international and regional issues of common concern.

The two sides agree to jointly implement the consensus reached by the two heads of state, increase understanding, manage differences, expand consensus and strengthen cooperation, so as to accumulate conditions for bringing China-U.S. relations back to the track of sound and steady development.

Yang, also director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the CPC Central Committee, said the implementation of the consensus between the two heads of state is the most important task for China-U.S. relations.

He said that Chinese President Xi Jinping has proposed mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation as the three principles in developing China-U.S. relations in the new era, which has charted the course for the development of the bilateral ties.

U.S. President Joe Biden responded positively with such important commitments as that the United States does not seek a new Cold War or to change China’s system, nor will it oppose China through strengthening alliances, support “Taiwan independence,” or seek confrontation with China, Yang said as cited by Xinhua.

The Chinese side always views and handles bilateral relations in accordance with the three principles put forth by President Xi, Yang said, expressing his hope that the U.S. side can truly deliver on President Biden’s promises.

Yang expounded on China’s solemn position on issues related to Xinjiang, Tibet and Hong Kong, pointing out that these issues concern China’s core interests and are China’s internal affairs that allow no foreign interference. Any attempt to use these issues to suppress China will fail, he said. MDT/Agencies