China is pursuing closer connections with Russia despite Moscow’s invasion of neighboring Ukraine, according to Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who stated that China sees itself as a “force for peace” in the globe. At a press conference held on the fringes of the nation’s annual parliament meeting in Beijing on Thursday, Wang stated to reporters, “China will persist in being a force for peace, a force for stability, and a force for progress in the world in the face of complex turmoil in the international environment.”
When queried about China’s ties to Russia—which started its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022—Wang, who spoke Mandarin, was also questioned about the matter. Shortly before the invasion, Chinese President Xi Jinping heralded a “new era” of cooperation in Moscow last year, while Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Beijing, leading to the announcement of a “no limits” collaboration between the two nations. The foreign minister stated that the increased level of cooperation between Beijing and Moscow was a “strategic choice,” pointing out that bilateral trade had hit a record $240 billion in 2023. He continued, characterizing the two nations’ relationship as a “new paradigm” in the interactions between major powers and said that “new opportunities” awaited.
Wang stated, “Big nations shouldn’t look for conflict, and the Cold War shouldn’t be allowed to resurface.” China has presented itself as an impartial participant in the war in Ukraine and, on the first anniversary of the hostilities, unveiled a 12-point peace plan that calls on both parties to hold talks and a truce. Wang reaffirmed Beijing’s “objective and impartial position” on Ukraine on Thursday and reiterated the need for peace negotiations, pointing out that peace envoy Li Hui was presently in the area. According to Wang, “a conflict has a tendency to worsen and escalate over time and could lead to an even bigger crisis.”
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