Amid the escalating tensions with Russia launching major attacks in Ukraine leading to increasing casualties in various parts of the country, China has refused to call Russia’s assault in Ukraine an “invasion”.
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced an attack on Ukraine earlier in the day, and explosions in Kyiv and other cities in Ukraine followed.
Ukraine’s military claimed to be engaged in fighting within its borders, and Ukraine President Volodimyr Zelenskyy described the violence as “an invasion to destroy the country”.
China reiterated its commitment to protecting all countries’ territorial integrity, but noted that the Ukraine problem has its own complex and unique historical context, international media reported.
However, many countries including the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, and beyond have condemned the brutal Russian attack in Ukraine.
Reuters quoted China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin saying “We understand Russia’s legitimate concerns on security issues.”
China’s Assistant Foreign Minister, Hua Chunying, was asked by reporters several times whether she would call Russia’s attacks an invasion but she repeatedly avoided giving a yes or no answer.
Hua said, “The US has been fueling the flame, fanning up the flame, how do they want to put out the fire?”.
She also said that China is closely monitoring the latest situation.
“We call on all sides to exercise restraint to prevent the situation from getting out of control”.
Pertinently, on Thursday, explosions were heard in the cities of Odessa, Kharkiv and Mariupol, and there were reports of fighting and fatalities in other parts of the country. Officials said dozens of Ukrainian soldiers and several civilians were killed as of Thursday afternoon.
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