China assures that cooperation with Russia does not target any third party
Photo: Mao Ning, spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry (Getty Images)
China and Russia have “normal cooperation”. It is not directed against any third party, according to Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning.
The journalists asked Mao Ning if she could comment on the possibility of US sanctions against Chinese companies that support Russia's war against Ukraine.
"I wish to stress that both China and Russia are independent major countries. China and Russia have normal cooperation, which does not target any third party and should not become a target for external interference or coercion," she said.
According to Mao Ning, her country “firmly rejects” any unilateral sanctions and will take all necessary measures to protect its legitimate rights and interests.
The Foreign Ministry spokesperson also added that China's position on the “Ukraine crisis” was “objective and just.”
"China is neither the one that created the crisis nor a party to it, but has worked actively to enable talks for peace and a political settlement of the crisis. The US should work constructively for the political settlement of the crisis, rather than shift the blame to China and drive a wedge between China and other countries," Mao Ning added.
China's position
Since the beginning of the full-scale war, China has refused to condemn Russia's aggression against Ukraine. Beijing also continues to maintain and strengthen diplomatic and economic relations with Moscow.
Since February 24, 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly held talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. At the same time, Xi Jinping has spoken with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy only once during this time.
Chinese companies are also suspected of supplying Russia with dual-use goods that can be used in the production of weapons. In particular, the Associated Press reported a sharp increase in such trade in April.
