Wang Yi, Фото: Stephen Shaver/ UPI / Profimedia
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi vowed on Saturday to take “resolute measures” against what he called “false accusations” from Washington regarding Beijing’s support for Moscow in its war against Ukraine, reports AFP.
Despite strong economic, diplomatic, and military ties with Russia, which have only strengthened since the start of the war against Ukraine in February 2022, China positions itself as a neutral mediator in the conflict.
China presents itself as a restrained interlocutor compared to Western countries, which it claims are “pouring oil on the fire” by supplying weapons to Ukraine.
Beijing Accuses Washington of ‘Tarnishing Reputation’
Several Western capitals, particularly Washington, accuse Beijing of increasing economic support for Moscow and allege that Chinese companies are selling goods to Russia that support the Kremlin’s military efforts.
“China opposes tarnishing its reputation and making false accusations against it,” Wang Yi told Antony Blinken in Vientiane on Saturday, according to a statement released by his ministry.
“China will not agree to pressure or blackmail and will take firm and effective measures to safeguard its core interests and legitimate rights,” emphasized the Chinese Foreign Minister.
The two top diplomats discussed this issue on the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) meeting held in the capital of Laos.
China Has Never Condemned Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine
China, which shares with Russia the ambition to create a counterbalance to the US, has never condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and has blamed NATO for ignoring Moscow’s security concerns.
At the same time, last year, China called for respecting the territorial integrity of all nations, including Ukraine, in a document regarding the war.
“We will continue to promote peace talks” between Kyiv and Moscow, Wang Yi told Antony Blinken on Saturday, according to Chinese diplomacy, just days after the first visit to China by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba.
Wang Yi also insisted that the US should “stop recklessly imposing unilateral sanctions” and its laws and restrictions beyond its borders.
Washington has imposed sanctions on Chinese companies accused of supporting Russia’s military efforts.
