Editorial | Xi’s pledge of strong support for Russia does not necessarily extend to Ukraine
- Just weeks ahead of the 20th National Party Congress, Xi has projected diplomatic leadership from the front that will be a force to be reckoned with amid competing national interests in global affairs
It goes without saying that includes the sovereignty claim on Taiwan and the invasion of Ukraine respectively. But it does not necessarily mean unlimited Chinese support over Ukraine.
Putin admitted that in a nuanced reference. “We highly value the balanced position of our Chinese friends [on] the Ukraine crisis. We understand your questions and concerns … we will explain our position.”
There would have been no need for China to explain its position on Taiwan under the one-China principle, for which Putin affirmed Moscow’s support. Beijing has resorted to economic and diplomatic pressure, not aggression.
That said, the more accurate interpretation of China’s position on Ukraine is that while it may have doubts over the reasoning behind the invasion, it is not blaming Russia alone.
It takes into account provocation by United States-led Nato expansion eastward seen as a security threat to Russia, with whom it has declared a no-limits friendship. The Taiwan issue is much clearer.