China expects Germany to play constructive role in Ukraine: Wang Yi

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
18 Feb 16:21
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On the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, China's Central Foreign Affairs Office Director Wang Yi promised Chancellor Scholz that Beijing would continue to press for Ukraine peace negotiations.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi during a meeting in Nusa Dua, Bali, Indonesia, on July 9, 2022 (Reuters)

China's Central Foreign Affairs Office Director Wang Yi told German Chancellor Olaf Scholz that Beijing believes that a ceasefire will be reached in Ukraine soon and that Berlin would contribute positively to the peace process.

"China has always been committed to peace, advocating for reconciliation, promotion of peace talks as well as an early ceasefire and an end to hostilities. We hope that Germany will play a constructive role and help ease tensions," Wang said.

On the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, the Chinese official promised Chancellor Scholz that Beijing would continue to press for Ukraine peace negotiations "however tough the situation may get."

The official warned that a prolonged crisis would raise the stakes for Europe and increase the likelihood of "incidents" like last September's blasts at the Nord Stream natural gas pipelines beneath the Baltic Sea. Russia condemned the attacks as terrorist acts and requested a thorough investigation.

"We understand the concern of European countries about the Ukrainian crisis. As the crisis drags on, Europe suffers more and more damage and incidents like Nord Stream explosions are prone to happen from time to time," he said.

He also stated that China and Germany should work together to promote free trade and defend global supply networks. He proposed that Europe and Germany fully reestablish connections with his country and strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation.

Elsewhere in his remarks, Yi announced that China will develop and present a document outlining its views on the Ukraine situation by the end of February.

"On the Ukraine issue, China's position boils down to supporting talks for peace. We will put forth a paper on China's position on the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis and stay firm on the side of peace and dialogue," Wang said at the Munich Security Conference.

The Chinese position paper on Ukraine will "reiterate the propositions made by President Xi Jinping, including that territorial integrity and sovereignty must be respected, the purposes and principles of the UN Charter must be observed, legitimate security concerns must be taken seriously, and all efforts conducive to the peaceful resolution of the crisis must be supported," as per the top Chinese diplomat.

"We will also reiterate that nuclear war must not be fought and will not be won," he continued.

In its position paper, Beijing would call for steps to prevent attacks on nuclear facilities and any use of chemical or biological weapons, Wang added.