China says its relationship with Russia is “steady as a rock” and confirms that it acts as a mediator

China today defended his role as mediator between Russia and Ukraine But he warned that the Russian invasion would not change his “strategic relationship” with Moscow one iota, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said at his annual press conference in Beijing.

“We must promote peace and dialogue, and China has already made some efforts in this regard. There have been two rounds of negotiations and we hope there will be a third. The more divergences, the greater the need to sit down to negotiate”said Wang in response to calls for Beijing to step forward as a mediator.

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Wangwho appeared before the media in parallel to the session of the National People’s Assembly (ANP, Legislative), gave as an example of mediation the call of the Chinese president, Xi Jinpingto his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putinshortly after the Russian attack.

“China is willing to continue playing a constructive role in facilitating dialogue and working with the international community when the situation demands it”he added.

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After suggesting that China made it possible for both parties to sit down at the table, the head of Chinese diplomacy once again opted for neutrality and ambiguity about the conflict: again avoided using the word “invasion” and insisted so much on “respect for the territorial integrity of all countries” as in the attention that must be paid to the “legitimate security demands” of Russia.

The chancellor, who previously made public his aversion to Western sanctions, tilted towards Moscow by making it clear that the “strategic partnership” between the two powers continues. “firm as a rock” that the prospects for their collaboration are “immense” and that this alliance “contributes to peace and stability.”

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Wang also called for humanitarian aid to Ukraine “not to be politicized.” and to focus on “protecting civilians, caring for the displaced and ensuring the safety of foreigners living there so they can return to their countries.”

“Rivers do not freeze on a cold night”, pointed out when considering that the “crisis” in Ukraine it has “very complex causes” and that the most important thing now is to “keep calm and reason”.

The Chinese Red Cross will provide humanitarian assistance to Ukrainereported the foreign minister, without further details.

CALLS ON THE EUROPEAN UNION FOR AN “INDEPENDENT” STRATEGY

Asked whether the Russian attack and subsequent Western sanctions will weaken ties between China and the European Union (EU), Wang ruled out that scenario. “It is convenient to separate the issues” and “the cooperation between the two, despite ups and downs, cannot be reversed,” she sentenced.

“Dialogue and cooperation between China and Europe will provide greater stability in an increasingly turbulent world”indicated the foreign minister, before recalling that bilateral cooperation is increasingly “fruitful” and that exchanges reached a record figure of 800,000 million dollars last year.

“It seems that there are forces – in veiled reference to the United States – who do not like the development of our relations. Things like ‘the Chinese threat’ or that we are ‘systemic rivals’ are invented. They cause confrontation. We hope that Europe will take a more objective and independent view of China, be pragmatic and oppose a ‘new cold war,’” she said.

According to Wang, China and the EU have “common interests” and “similar strategic needs.”and hopes that at the next summit on April 1, “joint efforts” will be made to deepen the relationship and “properly manage” the differences.

AGAINST AUKUS, “NATO OF THE PACIFIC”

The chancellor gave an exhaustive review of the activity of his portfolio -from Afghanistan to the Korean peninsula-, but among the issues on which he had the most influence was the pact AUKUS between Washington, Canberra and London, an initiative he referred to as “the NATO of the Pacific”.

“The Indo-Pacific needs development and cooperation, that is its spirit, not being treated like a chess board. China rejects any attempt to create circles of influence”, he pointed out, before demanding from the US “measures that help solve the problems instead of inflaming them”.

One of them is undoubtedly Taiwanan island that Beijing claims and that, according to the minister, does not bear any parallelism with what happened in Ukraine: “They are completely different in essence. Taiwan is China’s internal affair while the conflict there is one between two countries. Taiwan’s hope lies in reunification.”he claimed.

Wang briefly referred to Latin America, a region he defined as “a land of hope and not anyone’s backyard.”

He said that since the pandemic began, China has sent 400 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines there and that in 2021 bilateral trade exceeded 400 billion dollars for the first time.

“What the people there need is justice and beneficial cooperation. China and Latin America are part of the same world of developing countries and have the same aspirations for independence and revitalization”, she concluded.

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Source: Elcomercio

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