BEIJING: China on Thursday refused to categorize Russia’s move on Ukraine as an ‘invasion’ and advised its citizens there to stay home or at least take the precaution of displaying a Chinese flag if they needed to drive anywhere.
Russian forces on Thursday fired missiles at several cities in Ukraine and landed troops on its coast, officials and media said, after President Vladimir Putin authorised what he called a special military operation in the east.
“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, spokesperson at China’s foreign ministry.
Addressing a daily media briefing in Beijing, Hua bridled at journalists’ characterisation of Russia’s actions. “This is perhaps a difference between China and you Westerners. We won’t go rushing to a conclusion,” she said.
“Regarding the definition of an invasion, I think we should go back to how to view the current situation in Ukraine. The Ukrainian issue has other very complicated historical background that has continued to today,” she added.
Russia’s attack comes weeks after Putin met with his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, just before the Winter Olympics in Beijing. The two sides announced a strategic partnership aimed at countering U.S. influence and said they would have “no ‘forbidden’ areas of cooperation”.
Asked if Putin had told China that he was planning to invade Ukraine, Hua said Russia, as an independent power, did not need to seek the consent of China. “It independently decides and implements its own diplomacy and strategy according to its own strategic judgment and interests,” she added.
US President Joe Biden promised “severe sanctions” in response to Russia’s attack, and said he would meet with other Group of Seven leaders to discuss the matter.
“Some countries have been following the US in fanning the flame,” Hua said, adding: “We object to any action that hypes up war.” She also called on Europe to reflect on how it can better protect its peace.
China has so far stopped short of telling its 6,000 citizens in Ukraine to consider leaving. A security advisory issued by the embassy earlier this week had warned Chinese nationals to stock up on daily necessities.
