China should be on Ukraine’s side, says Zelenskyy
Kyiv is no longer counting on protection, but only on China’s presence at the peace summit in Switzerland, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in an interview with journalists from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan, Vlast newspaper reported on May 25.
"Countries like China need to defend Ukraine," President Zelenskyy said. "Because we are under attack. When China says that territorial integrity must be respected, this is the most important thing."
He noted that China guaranteed Ukraine's security in the Budapest Memorandum when Ukraine gave up its nuclear weapons. However, the memorandum did not work out.
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Zelenskyy stated that he has made all the necessary diplomatic efforts to engage China in addressing the problem with Russia: he invited the Chinese leader to Ukraine, initiated meetings with Chinese leaders, and held phone conversations. But so far, China is only "balancing between Russia and Ukraine," he said.
The President added that he has "great respect" for China and its achievements.
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"China must protect Ukraine," Zelenskyy said. "In the long struggle for its freedom and independence, Ukraine no longer counts on China's protection, but on China's balancing act and its presence at the peace summit."
China’s position on the Russia-Ukraine war
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The Chinese Foreign Affairs Ministry released a “peace plan” in February 2023 to resolve the war against Ukraine. It consists of 12 points, including a ceasefire, resumption of peace talks, cessation of “unilateral sanctions” against Russia, operation of the Black Sea grain corridor, nuclear safety, and renunciation of nuclear weapons.
China’s special envoy on Eurasian affairs, Li Hui, stated on March 2, following talks with a Russian representative, that the war against Ukraine must be “resolved through negotiations.”
China is ready to act as a mediator to “facilitate peaceful negotiations” between Russia, Ukraine, and other parties for the “political settlement of the war,” the Chinese Foreign Affairs Ministry said.
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Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin and Li Hui stated on March 3 that resolving the war in Ukraine is impossible without considering Russian interests.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on March 7 that his country is prepared to work on creating new impetus for cooperation and strengthening friendship with Russia.
He noted on the same day that China advocates for convening an international peace conference, which will be recognized by both Russia and Ukraine.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in China on April 24. During his visit, Blinken stated that it would be difficult for Russia to continue attacking Ukraine without China's support.
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Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
