China has sent delegation to EU for talks on security, trust building

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
25 Feb 2023 15:33
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The Chinese Ministry of Defense announces that the purpose of the visit is to hold talks on the development of bilateral relations in matters of defense, among others.

Building of the Chinese Defense Ministry. (Wikimedia Commons)

China's Defense Ministry said in a statement on Saturday that it will be sending a delegation to the European Union to discuss security relations and trust building.

"The Chinese Ministry of Defense sent a delegation to the General Staffs of Hungary, Germany, the European Union and NATO from February 16 to 25 to conduct institutional dialogue and consultations," the ministry said in the statement.

The Ministry specified that the purpose of the visit is to hold talks on the development of bilateral relations in matters of defense, exchange views on international and regional security issues, and enhance mutual understanding and trust.

On February 24, China issued a 12-point position paper on Ukraine that highlighted all the steps required to reach a "political settlement".

These include respecting the sovereignty of all countries, abandoning the Cold War mentality, ceasing hostilities, resuming peace talks, resolving the humanitarian crisis, protecting civilians and POWs, keeping nuclear power plants safe, reducing strategic risks, facilitating grain exports, stopping unilateral sanctions, keeping industrial and supply chains stable, and promoting post-conflict reconstruction.

Because the plan did not specify that Russia must withdraw its troops from Ukraine, the West accused China of an attempt to undermine Ukraine's sovereignty at the expense of Russia's.

Beijing has already dismissed these claims as false, with top diplomat Wang Yi saying China will continue to stand firmly on the side of dialogue and peace, and will not seek to fuel escalations nor remain a bystander.

"Dialogue and negotiation are the only viable solution to the Ukraine crisis," the document reads, adding that China will play a "constructive role," without offering details.