China issued a warning to the United States after President Joe Biden authorized long-range targeting inside Russia with ATACMS rockets capable of hitting positions up to 190 miles away.
Liu Pengyu, spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in the U.S., told Newsweek: “Realizing an early ceasefire and striving for political settlement serves the interests of all sides.
“It is important not to fuel the tension. China always encourages and supports all efforts conducive to the peaceful settlement of the crisis and stands ready to continue to play a constructive role in its own way for the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis.”
Newsweek reached out to the White House for comment.
Ukraine fired long-range ATACMS missiles against a target inside Russia for the first time on Tuesday, according to Ukrainian news agency RBC-Ukraine, citing a source inside the country’s defense forces.
China presents itself as a neutral party, emphasizing respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations, including Ukraine. It has called for dialogue and peaceful resolution rather than military action.
Although China has previously attempted to mediate a peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia, it has faced accusations of supplying weapons to Putin for use in the conflict.
Russian President Vladimir Putin (L) in Saint Petersburg on January 18, 2023. Inset: U.S. President Joe Biden shakes hands with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Peru on November 16. Ukrainian servicemen (R) fire weapons in Donbas on June 15, 2022.
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lya Pitalev/Leah Millis/SPUTNIK/AFP/Getty
Despite its apparent neutral stance, China has refrained from condemning Russia’s actions or labeling them as an invasion. Its diplomatic rhetoric often aligns with Russian narratives, criticizing NATO’s expansion and Western sanctions.
Beijing is a major purchaser of Russian energy and goods. The war has deepened this economic relationship, especially as Western sanctions have isolated Russia.
China has positioned itself as a potential mediator in the conflict. In early 2023, it released a 12-point peace plan advocating for a ceasefire.
China faces accusations of indirectly supporting Russia through increased trade and allegedly providing dual-use technologies that might bolster Russia’s war effort.
Its refusal to explicitly denounce Russia’s invasion has drawn criticism from Western nations, highlighting a perceived alignment with Moscow.
Meanwhile, China denies reports it has been supplying Russia with attack drones as European Union foreign ministers met Monday to discuss the alleged evidence.
In September, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s adviser said over half of the foreign-made parts in Russian weapons found in Ukraine come from and via China.
In response, a Chinese embassy official suggested to Newsweek that most foreign-made weapon components used by Russia originate in the U.S. or from its Western allies.
