By blaming the United States for creating the problem, China is clearly coming down on Putin’s side in the court of world opinion. Its spokeman is calling the United States “clearly irresponsible and immoral.” This is therefore a decisive moment in U.S.-China relations. Xi Jinping is actively trying to discredit the United States as it copes with the most serious military invasion on the European continent since World War II. Here’s the official statement:
Assistant Foreign Minister Hua Chunying returns to the podium to give today’s briefing – 02/23/2022 China MFA Press Conference
CCTV: On Ukraine, what role has China played in seeking a resolution to the Ukraine issue?
Hua Chunying: On regional hotspot issues, China is always committed to promoting peace and negotiation and playing a constructive role in seeking a peaceful resolution of these issues.
On the Ukraine issue, lately the US has been sending weapons to Ukraine, heightening tensions, creating panic and even hyping up the possibility of warfare. In stark contrast, China has all along called on all parties to respect and attach importance to each other’s legitimate security concerns, strive to resolve issues through negotiation and consultation, and jointly safeguard regional peace and stability. As you may have noted, President Xi Jinping stressed in a telephone conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron on February 16 that relevant parties should stick to the general direction of political settlement, make full use of multilateral platforms including the Normandy format, and seek a comprehensive settlement of the Ukraine issue through dialogue and consultation. State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi also stressed while attending a special event on China during the 58th Munich Security Conference that all sides should earnestly assume their responsibility and work for peace instead of increasing tensions, stoking panic, or hyping up war.
A key question here is what role the US, the culprit of current tensions surrounding Ukraine, has played. If someone keeps pouring oil on the flame while accusing others of not doing their best to put out the fire, such kind of behavior is clearly irresponsible and immoral.
