On Friday, China again called for a ceasefire and peace talks between Russia and Ukraine. It comes days after the US said it had information suggesting China was considering sending “lethal support” to Russia.
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China has again called for a ceasefire and peace talks between Russia and Ukraine.
In a 12-point communiqué published on Friday, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said: “All parties should support Russia and Ukraine in moving in the identical direction and resuming direct dialogue as soon as possible to steadily de-escalate the situation and eventually reach a comprehensive ceasefire.” “.
Although the paper repeated Beijing’s arguments, it was published on the primary anniversary of Russia’s unprovoked war with Ukraine.
The position also comes days after Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the US had information suggesting China was considering sending “lethal support” to Russia.
“Nuclear weapons can’t be used,” the Chinese government wrote in its document titled “China’s Position on a Political Settlement of the Ukraine Crisis.”
Within the document, the Chinese government called on the international community to support the “right approach” in facilitating peace talks between the 2 countries and said Beijing desired to “play a constructive role.”
Without mentioning the US or its allies supporting Washington-led sanctions, China said: “Relevant countries should stop abusing unilateral sanctions and ‘long jurisdiction’ over other countries to assist de-escalate the crisis in Ukraine.”
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China has previously expressed concern over the continued war in Ukraine, with Prime Minister Li Keqiang saying last March he was “deeply” concerned in regards to the crisis within the region.
Nevertheless, it’s less clear how much Beijing has done, or is practically in a position to, to support the peace talks. Its leaders communicated often.
In accordance with state media, Wang Yi – a former Chinese foreign minister who was recently promoted to a senior diplomatic post – met Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov this week in Moscow. Wang said on the meeting that it was essential not to present up efforts for peace state media reported.
Along with the numerous cost to human life, the war in Ukraine devastated the local economy, one of the most important grain producers on the earth.
Because the war enters its second yr, analysts told CNBC that Russia will aim to seize key regions in Ukraine.
Speaking from Beijing on the anniversary of the outbreak of the war, the European Union’s ambassador to China, Jorge Toledo Albinana, called on China to take motion for peace in Ukraine.
“We proceed to call on our host China to meet its special responsibility,” he said, adding that China has an obligation to “defend the charter against aggression,” he said at live check-in.
Markets “underestimate” risk
Futures linked to the Dow Jones Industrial Average continued to fall after the Asian hour release, and were recently traded 30 points lower during afternoon trading in Asia.
Geopolitical risks are underestimated by the market, said Peter Garnry, head of equity strategy at Saxo Markets. note earlier this week.
“If China decides to assist Russia with arms, then globalization as we all know it should come to an end and provide chains will once again be thrown into chaos,” he wrote.
“If the attitude of geopolitical threats is broadened, we are going to see that the upward risk is critical if the war in Ukraine takes a worse turn,” he said.
— Evelyn Cheng of CNBC contributed to this report.