As China and Ukraine vow infrastructure cooperation, Kyiv offers to be Beijing’s ‘bridge to Europe’

Volodymyr Zelensky has restated Ukraine’s position supporting the unity of China and Xi Jinping said China supported the territorial integrity of Ukraine

Analyst says there is growing criticism in ‘the Ukrainian political and expert community to the practices and approaches of China’

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told China’s leader in a phone call on Tuesday that Chinese investors were welcome to take part in infrastructure projects in Ukraine. Photo: AP

Published: 9:00pm, 14 Jul 2021Updated: 10:38pm, 14 Jul 2021

Beijing is moving to boost ties with Kyiv, with Chinese President Xi Jinping calling for further cooperation on vaccines and infrastructure in his latest phone call with Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky.

Speaking on Tuesday night, Xi said China was willing to work with Ukraine to “promote traditional friendship, deepen mutual understanding and strengthen practical cooperation”, according to a statement by the Chinese foreign ministry.

“China is willing to continue to strengthen cooperation with the Ukrainian side in the field of vaccines … to help the country overcome the Covid-19 pandemic,” Xi said, adding that the two sides should also expand their cooperation on infrastructure and agricultural products.

In response, Zelensky said Chinese investors were welcome to take part in a number of key infrastructure projects in Ukraine. They included the development of seaport infrastructure, the construction and modernisation of roads, and the development of railways, urban infrastructure and municipal services, according to a statement by the Ukrainian presidential office.

Ukraine could become a “bridge to Europe” for Chinese business, Zelensky told Xi, adding that his country was keen to export more agricultural products to China.

Zelensky reiterated Ukraine’s position supporting the unity of China and in return, Xi said China supported the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, according to the Ukrainian statement.

The phone conversation between the leaders was the latest rapprochement as China and Ukraine move to nurture a relationship strained by Kyiv’s decision to halt the Chinese acquisition of advanced engine maker Motor Sich. In January, Ukraine blacklisted the Chinese investor Skyrizon after Washington strongly opposed the deal.

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