“We are on the right side of history” cleared Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, amidst notable warnings from the US to persuade Russia into ending the war. Wang’s comments surfaced after warnings of “severe consequences” from US President Joe Biden if China continues to provide material support to Russia.
In a public statement made to the press, Wang made it lucid that China will never accept any external pressure or coercion over its relationship with Russia. “We oppose any unfounded accusations and suspicions against China”, added the Chinese foreign minister.
Zao Lijian, spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry defended his country’s stance on the situation by asserting that several efforts are being made by China to de-escalate the entire situation by defusing the crisis and rebuilding peace. China has repeatedly propounded that it will continue to make maverick judgments on the matter while appointing an objective and just attitude.
In a call made to Beijing by US Secretary Janet Yellen, the US continued to force China into using its “special relationship with Russia” to persuade Moscow to put an end to the ongoing war in Ukraine. “Beijing cannot expect the global community to respect its appeals towards the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity if it does not respect these principles right now”, she stated in a speech targeting China’s lack of action in the whole situation.
The US secretary also cautioned China, that their reaction to USA’s call for help will play an integral role in determining the world’s attitude towards China and its demands for economic integration.
Sweeping sanctions have been imposed on Russia by the US as well as its European and Asian allies, since the Russian invasion of its neighbor Ukraine. With most of the world either denouncing Moscow or taking a neutral stance on the situation, China has taken a bold step by refusing to condemn the invasion of Ukraine by its strategic partner Russia.
It refuses to consider the entire situation as a war but prefers to use the term “special military operation” in favor of Russia.
China has also played an important role in amplifying the Russian propaganda, including alleged claims of biological weapons being developed by the U.S. and Ukraine. Since the time of commencement of the war in Feb 2022, China has vigorously opposed any kind of economic sanctions against Russia and has either sided with Russia or abstained from voting in the United Nations.
While asserting that it respects the sovereignty of Ukraine, Beijing has time and again mentioned that Moscow’s legitimate security concerns should be addressed and has demanded a mutual and diplomatic solution to the entire conflict.
These actions have put China at odds with the United States and its allies, who are furious over the now never-ending conflict, which is doing no good other than sanctioning Russia’s financial system and other parts of its economy. Beijing, however, has issued statements saying that it isn’t making any deliberate attempts to circumvent or oppose the sanctions imposed on Russia by the US and the rest of the western world.
According to reports from CNN, the US has been monitoring the close relationship between China and Russia with alarming concern. The reports confirm that Washington is worried about military and economic confrontation by the alliance of the authoritarian leaders. Several high-profile discussions during the last month solidified the alliance between XI and Putin.
These discussions resulted in the two sides, declaring long statements about their boundless connections. Meanwhile, in a media event on Saturday, the Russian foreign minister said that Russia’s cooperation with China will only get stronger.
Published By: Aman Gupta
Edited By: Vanshika Sahu
