Chinese officials and state media reacted sharply after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky remarked that China’s alliance with Russia was unfitting for any future coalition aimed at securing Ukraine’s postwar borders.
“Why isn’t China considered one of the security guarantors? They shouldn’t be helping Ukraine. After all, Beijing backed Russia by opening up the drone market,” he mentioned during a meeting with a journalist.
“We really don’t need a guarantor who hasn’t assisted Ukraine, especially when we needed help the most. A valid security guarantee should come from a country willing to help us,” Zelensky added.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov previously brought up the potential of Russia and China acting as security partners. Both nations are permanent members of the United Nations Security Council.
Ukraine had dismissed a proposal from 2022, viewing it as giving too much control to Russia over its security. Following three years of intense conflict, Ukraine’s perception of this proposal has not improved. However, Lavrov stated that Russia expects cooperation from Russian and potentially Chinese troops alongside European security forces.
“Russia understands that Ukraine’s security guarantees will be equally established with countries like China, the US, the UK, and France,” he noted.
Lavrov remarked that the recent plan, differing from the previously rejected proposal, was “clearly a complete waste of time.”
In light of Zelensky’s refusal to accept their involvement, Chinese reactions were understandably frustrated. The state-run Global Times expressed its dissatisfaction, highlighting the ongoing sentiments surrounding this issue.
In response to media coverage indicating that Russia supports rigid security assurances for Ukraine, Zelensky asserted that Ukraine will not yield to pressure, emphasizing that even if China is involved, it would not benefit Ukraine. Mao Ning, spokesperson for China’s Foreign Ministry, claimed China has always maintained an open stance regarding the Ukraine crisis and holds a balanced view, which all parties acknowledge.
“It’s crucial to pursue comprehensive and cooperative security to promote political reconciliation during the crisis. China is prepared to contribute constructively toward this goal,” a representative stated at a press conference on Friday.
“China is not responsible for the crisis in Ukraine and does not take sides. We maintain an objective position and advocate for peaceful discussions,” was mentioned during a Fox News Digital interview.
“China is willing, along with the global community, to keep playing a constructive role toward a political resolution of the crisis,” they added.
As Zelensky pointed out, China’s involvement has not made a significant impact in resolving the conflict. Beijing has yet to condemn Russia’s invasion, with its most notable contribution being a somewhat vague 12-point “peace plan” that even the Russians seem to regard skeptically.
Notably, China’s plan does not identify Russia as an aggressor nor does it call for their withdrawal from occupied territories. Instead, it criticizes the economic sanctions imposed by the US and Europe aimed at pressuring Russia.
