John Kirby, strategic communications coordinator at the National Security Council, said the United States would like to see China help Ukraine in terms of “self-defense.” He said this on March 3 in an interview with the TV channel CNN.
“We would like China to join the rest of the world in condemning this invasion and not doing anything to help Russia continue this (special operation. – Ed.). In fact, we would be happy to see steps from China to help Ukraine in terms of their self-defense,” he said.
Kirby also once again warned Beijing against providing military assistance to Russia. At the same time, he noted that, according to the United States, the corresponding decision had not yet been made by the Chinese authorities.
Earlier in the day, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said that according to Washington, the PRC is not providing military assistance to the Russian Federation. At the same time, according to her, against the backdrop of the Ukrainian conflict, any steps taken by Beijing aimed at rapprochement with Moscow complicate China’s relations with Western states.
On February 24, China published a position paper on a political settlement of the situation in Ukraine. The day before, the publication of the document was announced by Chinese Deputy Representative to the UN Dai Bing, stressing that his goal is to continue a constructive role in resolving the crisis and achieving peace.
In particular, China called on all parties to respect the sovereignty of other countries, abandon the Cold War mentality, reduce strategic risks, ensure grain export guarantees, end unilateral sanctions, and promote peace talks.
The Russian Foreign Ministry noted that the Russian Federation highly appreciates China’s desire to contribute to the settlement of the conflict in Ukraine by peaceful means and shares Beijing’s views.
At the same time, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky said that the proposals of the PRC are not a plan of action, but reflections.
Western countries have stepped up military and financial support for Kyiv against the backdrop of a special operation of the Russian Federation to protect Donbass, the decision on which was made against the backdrop of aggravation in the region due to shelling by the Ukrainian military.
