China Supports Russia: "Must Refrain from Exaggerating the Situation"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyunjung] As the United States pointed to February 16 as the date of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, China showed an attitude that seemed to support Russia while targeting the U.S., saying, "We should refrain from exaggerating the situation."

Wang Wenbin, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated on the 14th that the Ukrainian embassy on site is operating normally. He said, "All parties must resolve all issues related to the Ukraine crisis through dialogue and negotiation," and urged, "We call for refraining from actions that provoke and exaggerate the situation."

Earlier, Russia had reinforced its troops on the Ukrainian border with more than 100,000 soldiers, and the U.S. and Europe have been reducing or evacuating embassy staff in Kyiv. Jake Sullivan, U.S. National Security Advisor, mentioned on the 11th that Russia could initiate military action in Ukraine 'immediately.' Russia has condemned such warnings as 'hysteria' and has claimed it has no plans to invade.

Spokesperson Wang said, "We will pay attention to changes and safety in the Ukraine situation," but also noted, "There is conflicting information regarding the tension between Russia and Ukraine."

He also emphasized that the Ukrainian government should return to the new Minsk agreement signed in 2015 with the pro-Russian separatist rebels in the Donbas region, which declared separation and independence. This is interpreted as expressing support for Russia's position, as the agreement contains measures to maintain Russia's influence over Ukraine.

However, there are also views that China may find itself in a difficult position for defending Russia, which denied invading Ukraine, if war breaks out. This is because if Russia invades Ukraine, China, which supported Russia, would find it difficult to turn its back on the majority of the international community.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.