China has criticized Western sanctions against Russia and said it will not comply, calling the measures “never a basic and effective way to solve problems” and saying that they are “always opposed to any illegal unilateral sanctions.”
On Tuesday, President Joe Biden said the United States would sanction Russian financial institutions and oligarchs after Russian leader Vladimir Putin sent troops into separatist-held areas of eastern Ukraine. . The United Kingdom, the European Union, Canada, Australia and Japan also announced new sanctions against Russia.
When asked during the Foreign Ministry’s daily press briefing whether China would consider following suit, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying responded by telling reporters: “Clearly you lack a basic understanding of Chinese government policy.”
“We believe that sanctions are never a fundamental and effective way to solve problems. China has always opposed any illegal unilateral sanctions,” Hua said, adding that the two sides should seek a solution through dialogue and negotiation.
In her response, Hua also questioned what was achieved when the US imposed previous sanctions on Russia, asking reporters: “Have they solved the problem? US sanctions on Russia Will Europe’s security be more secure due to US sanctions on Russia I think we should try to solve the problem through dialogue and negotiation .”
She noted that previous sanctions imposed by the US “have caused serious difficulties for the economies and lives of the people of the countries concerned”, adding that for Ukraine, the US should not “undermine the legitimate rights and interests” of China and “other parties”. “
For now, the United States maintains sanctions against Russia that were imposed in response to the 2014 invasion of Ukraine. Other penalties have been imposed on issues including cyberattacks, interference, and meddling. elections, weapons proliferation, and illegal trade with North Korea.
Russia-China Relations: China is navigating a complicated position as it tries to balance its strong friendship with Russia with a practiced diplomacy of staunch defense of national sovereignty.
On February 14, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said the embassy in Ukraine was “operating normally” and continued to provide consular assistance and protection to citizens and businesses. China in Ukraine.
