-wants Russia’s security concerns to be addressed & peace to prevail

CHINA, one of Russia’s biggest allies, has come out in support of Ukraine’s sovereignty, in light of Russia’s devastating invasion and attack on the European nation.

A recent statement issued by the Chinese Embassy in Guyana indicated that on Friday, during a telephone call with senior members of the European Union, China’s State Councillor and Foreign Minister, Yi Wang, said definitely that the People’s Republic of China maintains the position that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries should be respected and protected.

“This position of China is consistent and clear-cut, and applies equally to the Ukraine issue,” Yi Wang said.

Wang had telephone conversations with the United Kingdom’s (UK) Foreign Secretary, Elizabeth Truss; High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs, Josep Borrell; and French Diplomatic Adviser to the President, Emmanuel Bonne.

In declaring its five-point position on the issue, Wang said that China advocates for common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, and that the country believes firmly that the security of one country should not come at the expense of the security of other countries, hinting to security concerns raised by Russia, ahead of the Ukraine invasion.

Russia has had concerns with Ukraine’s decision to become a member of NATO, the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, which is an international alliance of 30 member states from Europe, North America, and Asia.

Established and signed in 1949, the treaty states that if an armed attack occurs against one of the member states, it shall be considered an attack against all members, and other members shall assist the attacked member, with armed forces if necessary.

For context, the United States is a notable member of NATO, which shares significantly ruptured relations with Russia; Ukraine and Russia was considered the same country under the Soviet Union, but split following its dissolution in 1991.

And, instead of turning to Russia for support, Ukraine, in the past years has solidify relations with the United States.

Now, with Ukraine’s potential ascension to NATO, Russia’s President, Vladimir Putin has raised concerns that this could increase security threats for the country.

To this end, China has insisted that the legitimate security concerns of all countries should be respected.

“Given NATO’s five consecutive rounds of eastward expansion, Russia’s legitimate security demands ought to be taken seriously and properly addressed,” Minister Wang told the European Union representatives, maintaining a stance that the “Cold War mentality should?be discarded completely.”

China has affirmed that the current situation is not what it wants to see, and that a top priority now is for all parties to exercise the necessary restraint to prevent the current situation in Ukraine from getting worse or even getting out of control.

“The life and property safety of civilians should be effectively guaranteed, and large-scale humanitarian crises, in particular, must be prevented,” the statement from the Chinese Embassy posited.

China also encouraged all diplomatic efforts conducive to a peaceful settlement of the Ukraine crisis, emphasising that it welcomes the earliest possible direct dialogue and negotiation between Russia and Ukraine.

“The Ukraine issue has evolved in a complex historical context,” the release said.

It went further to note that Ukraine should function as a bridge between the East and the West, and not a frontier in big power confrontation.

Added to that, Minister Wang shared China’s belief that the United Nations’ Security Council (UNSC) should play a constructive role in resolving the Ukraine issue, and give priority to regional peace and stability and the universal security of all countries.

“Actions taken by the Security Council should help cool the situation and facilitate diplomatic resolution rather than fuelling tensions and causing further escalation,” the press statement said.

It added, “In view of this, China has always disapproved of willfully invoking of UN Charter Chapter VII?that authorises the use of force and sanctionsin UNSC resolutions.”

State Councilor Wang Yi noted too that as a permanent member of the UN Security Council and a responsible major country, China has always faithfully fulfilled its international obligations and played a constructive role in maintaining world peace and stability.

It insisted that “When it comes to peace and security, China has the best record among major countries. We have never invaded other countries or engaged in proxy wars, nor have we ever sought spheres of influence or participated in military bloc confrontations.”

The statement ended with a commitment from China for peaceful development and the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.

“We will continue to firmly oppose all hegemonies and power politics and resolutely uphold the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries, especially small and medium-sized countries,” the statement concluded.