Officials in China are hesitant to call Russia’s “special military operation” into Ukraine an invasion.
The same officials encouraged all residents of Ukraine to exercise restraint. They also advised Chinese citizens in the country to stay home and away from the fighting.
“China is closely monitoring the latest situation. We call on all sides to exercise restraint to prevent the situation from getting out of control,” said Hua Chunying, China’s Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, told reporters on Thursday.
UKRAINE SAYS MORE THAN 40 SOLDIERS, 10 CIVILIANS KILLED DURING RUSSIAN INVASION
Hua was hesitant to describe Russia’s “special military operation” as an invasion. “This is perhaps a difference between China and you Westerners. We won’t go rushing to a conclusion,” Hua said.
“Regarding the definition of an invasion, I think we should go back to how to view the current situation in Ukraine,” Hua argued. “The Ukrainian issue has a very complicated historical background that has continued to today. It may not be what everyone wants to see.”
Hua called for talks to resolve the conflict in Ukraine but did so while evading any criticism of Russian President Vladimir Putin. “We still hope that the parties concerned will not shut the door to peace and engage instead in dialogue and consultation and prevent the situation from further escalating,”
Hua also alleged that the United States, which was organizing to sanction Russia, encouraged the conflict. “Some countries have been following the U.S. in fanning the flame. We object to any action that hypes up war.”
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While several countries have encouraged their residents to leave Ukraine in light of the coming conflict, China has not done so. Instead, they have urged citizens to stay home and bear the Chinese flag if they go out. “The Chinese flag can be affixed to an obvious place on the body of the vehicle,” the Chinese Embassy offered as advice to Ukraine’s 6,000 Chinese citizens.
China and Russia have maintained a regular partnership in recent years. This includes both countries expressing support on Feb. 4 for further restrictions on NATO activities. Statements such as this one, among other things, have led State Department officials to believe that China has expressed “tacit support” for Russia’s attempted invasion of Ukraine.
Putin moved his forces into Russia on Wednesday, describing the actions as a “special military operation.” At least 50 Ukrainians have been killed in the invasion.
