China on Thursday criticized the United States’ “unjustified” accusations of its relationship with Russia in the midst of war with Ukraine, saying Beijing was working for peace and “on the right side of history.”
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A close diplomatic and economic partner of Moscow, the Asian country has not yet condemned the Russian invasion. It suffices to call on all parties to exercise restraint and dialogue.
In this context, US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said on Wednesday that China’s attitude towards Russia threatens its “integration” into the global economy.
China recently confirmed its special relationship with Russia. I very much hope that China will do something positive with this relationship and help end this war.”
In response to a question Thursday, the Chinese Foreign Ministry expressed its dissatisfaction.
“We are making great efforts to calm the situation, resolve the crisis and restore peace,” said Zhao Lijian, a spokesman for Chinese diplomacy, urging not to “distort the position” of Beijing.
Ukraine’s sovereignty must be preserved. “Russia’s legitimate security concerns must also be respected,” he reiterated at a regular press conference.
Beijing agrees with Moscow that NATO expansion helped spark war in Ukraine.
China’s attitude toward Russia contrasts with that of the West, which has strongly condemned the military operation in Ukraine and imposed sanctions on the Russian economy and Russian leaders.
“We oppose unjustified accusations and suspicions against China, not to mention pressure or coercion against it,” Zhao Lijian said.
“Time will eventually prove that China is on the right side of history.”
The United States says it is concerned about possible Chinese military assistance to the Kremlin’s military or seeing Beijing help Moscow circumvent Western sanctions.
China had called on Westerners in early April not to “overestimate” its role, arguing that Russia’s demand to stop the war in Ukraine was not enough to end hostilities.
