In a recent development, China has urged all parties involved in the conflict in Ukraine to de-escalate tensions, as Kyiv’s forces have made significant advancements into the Russian Kursk border region, a close ally of Beijing.
Notably, Kyiv has executed a surprise operation by deploying a large number of troops, seizing the initiative on the battlefield after months of slow Russian progress in the eastern regions, according to a Ukrainian security official cited by AFP.
The unexpected assault appears to have caught the Kremlin off guard, with Moscow’s military acknowledging on Sunday that Ukraine had breached its territory by up to 30 kilometers (20 miles) in some areas.
Reacting to this offensive, China has called on all parties to adhere to three principles for de-escalation, which include avoiding expanding the battlefield, escalating the conflict, or adding fuel to the fire.
A statement from the foreign ministry spokesperson reiterated China’s commitment to engaging with the international community to play a constructive role in facilitating a political resolution to the crisis.
Despite positioning itself as a neutral party in the conflict, China asserts that it is not providing lethal support to either side, unlike the U.S. and other Western nations.
Although China is aligned with Russia politically and economically, NATO members have criticized Beijing, labeling it as a key enabler of the conflict, a stance that China has not publicly denounced.
Last year, China released a document advocating for a political resolution to the conflict, drawing flak from Western nations for potentially allowing Russia to retain control over the territories it has captured in Ukraine.
AFP.