Xi Jinping: The Root Cause of the Ukraine-Russia Issue is Europe's Regional Security Conflict... Political Solution Over Sanctions
EU Cautious of China's Economic and Military Support to Russia Through Bypasses
[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Jo Young-shin] China and the European Union (EU) reaffirmed their differences in stance regarding sanctions against Russia.
According to the state-run Xinhua News Agency on the 2nd, Chinese President Xi Jinping held a video conference the previous day with Charles Michel, President of the European Council, and Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission.
President Xi first expressed deep regret over the Ukraine situation. He stated, "China's position on the Ukraine issue is consistent and clear," adding, "China always stands on the side of peace and judges the right and wrong of issues," emphasizing, "China upholds the maintenance of international law and the universal basic norms of international relations." He further added, "China adheres to the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter."
President Xi then presented China's views on resolving the Ukraine crisis. He said, "China supports the European side's efforts to politically resolve the Ukraine issue," and "conditions and environments for the Ukraine-Russia negotiation process must continue to be created, keeping the door open for political resolution."
He also pointed out that the fundamental cause of the Ukraine-Russia issue lies in Europe's regional security conflicts. President Xi reiterated the need to "resolve contradictions accumulated over years and build a balanced, effective, and sustainable peace," emphasizing the prevention of the expansion of regional conflicts.
President Xi warned, "If the situation continues to deteriorate, it may take years or even decades to recover," and said, "China and the EU must devote all efforts to managing the situation and preventing the spread of the crisis." He again stressed coordination and cooperation.
President Xi's remarks are interpreted as opposing sanctions against Russia and expressing hope that the EU does not follow the US's hardline stance.
Chinese Premier Li Keqiang conveyed the same message to the EU leadership. Attending the 23rd China-EU Summit (via video conference), Premier Li told Charles Michel and Ursula von der Leyen, "China has pursued an independent peaceful diplomatic policy, complies with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, and upholds international norms."
He also emphasized the importance of negotiations to resolve conflicts through dialogue and stated that China will continue to play a constructive role in resolving the Ukraine-Russia issue together with the EU and the international community. Premier Li reaffirmed that there is no change in China's existing position by emphasizing dialogue over sanctions against Russia.
In contrast, the EU leadership remained wary of China's indirect support for Russia. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, stressed at a press conference after the summit, "We made it very clear that China must not undermine our (sanctions against Russia)."
Von der Leyen also said that on that day, she warned the Chinese side not to support Russia in conducting the war or evading Western sanctions.
President Michel said, "We will remain vigilant against any attempts to financially or militarily assist Russia," but added, "Positive actions by China to help end this war will be welcomed by all Europeans and the international community."
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