Maintaining ties: Wang (left) and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz shaking hands during a meeting for the security conference in Munich. — AP
Beijing’s top diplomat Wang Yi said China will be a “force for stability” in the world during a speech at a major security conference in Germany.
“No matter the changes in the international situation, China as a responsible major country will always maintain the continuity and stability of its major policies and resolutely stay a force for stability in a turbulent world,” Wang said on Saturday.
Foreign minister Wang’s address at the Munich Security Conference, a gathering of 180 leaders and defence chiefs, followed a fresh appeal by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for more help in his country’s fight against Russian troops.
China says it is a neutral party in the conflict but has been criticised for refusing to condemn Moscow for its invasion of Ukraine.
“China-Russia relations do not involve forming alliances, creating opposition or targeting third parties,” the foreign minister said.
“They are normal relations between two neighbouring major countries.”
He added China opposes “pushing responsibility for the Ukraine crisis onto China”.
“China has already done a lot of constructive work (on Ukraine),” Wang said. “We will continue to play a positive role.”
Beijing initially pushed for a “political settlement” to the Ukraine conflict but its efforts have floundered in recent months after Western countries said it could enable Russia to hold much of the territory it has seized.
Wang also reiterated on China’s stance on the Israel-Hamas conflict, calling for an immediate ceasefire and the opening of channels for humanitarian aid into Gaza.
“We cannot allow this humanitarian disaster to continue,” Wang said. — AFP
