WORLD – CHINA
On the anniversary of the Russian invasion, China published a document with its “position on a political solution to the crisis in Ukraine”. In the proposal, Beijing calls for respect for the “territorial integrity” of all countries as well as an end to the sanctions policy, referring to the sanctions that have been imposed on Russia since the start of the conflict.
The twelve points of the Chinese plan are as follows:
1. Respect for the sovereignty of all countries: ‘All countries, big or small, strong or weak, rich or poor, are equal members of the international community’, says Beijing, calling for recognition of ‘international laws’ and respect for the ‘sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity’ of all countries without exception.
2. Abandoning the Cold War mentality: “The security of the region should not be achieved by strengthening or expanding military blocs,” declares China, clearly alluding to the NATO bloc. – “The legitimate security interests of all countries must be taken seriously and given due consideration.”
3. Ceasing hostilities: Beijing calls not to “fan the flames and exacerbate tensions” to prevent the situation from “spiralling out of control”.
4. Resuming peace talks: China declares that “dialogue and negotiations are the only solution to the crisis in Ukraine” and calls on countries to “open the doors to a political settlement”.
5. Resolving the humanitarian crisis: The Chinese side calls for not ‘politicising’ humanitarian operations, protecting civilian lives and respecting humanitarian corridors.
6. Protecting civilians and prisoners of war (POWs)
: China insists on strict adherence to international law, supports the creation of “favourable conditions” for a prisoner-of-war exchange between Ukraine and Russia and calls for avoiding attacks on civilians or civilian objects.
7. Keeping nuclear power plants safe: China opposes attacks on nuclear power plants or other peaceful nuclear facilities.
8. Reducing strategic risks: “Nuclear weapons should not be used, and nuclear war should not be fought,” China says. It also opposes research, development and use of chemical and biological weapons by any country under any circumstances.
9. Facilitating grain exports: The Chinese side encourages all parties to comply with existing agreements to make exports possible.
10. Stopping unilateral sanctions: China says “unilateral” sanctions and “pressure” “only create more problems”. According to China, the countries concerned should stop abusing unilateral sanctions and “long arm jurisdiction” against other countries in order to contribute to the de-escalation of the Ukraine crisis.
11. Keeping industrial and supply chains stable: Beijing calls for not using the “global economy” as a “tool or weapon for political purposes”.
12. Promoting post-conflict reconstruction: The international community needs to take action in support of post-conflict reconstruction in conflict zones, and China is ready to assist and play a constructive role in this effort.
