Chinese officials said Wednesday that the United States had “inflamed the situation” by announcing sanctions on Moscow and assuring to continue supplying Ukraine with arms in the event of an invasion.
With thousands of Russian troops stationed along its borders, Beijing has taken a cautious stance towards Ukraine, while the West has been criticised for new sanctions after Russia sent troops into two Ukrainian areas that it now recognises as independent states.
US President has threatened more sanctions if Russia’s military control extends beyond the two regions in the eastern Donbas area.
On Wednesday, China retaliated against the United States, accusing it of inflaming tensions by providing weaponry to Ukraine.
A spokesperson for the Chinese foreign ministry said that the United States’ activities were “increasing tensions, generating fear, and even playing up the schedule of conflict”.
Adding gasoline to the fire while blaming others is “irresponsible and unethical,” a Chinese spokeswoman said, focusing the attention on the United States in answer to a question on China’s role in resolving the issue.
In her speech, she said China had “called on all parties to respect and attach significance to each other’s legitimate security concerns, strive to settle disputes via discussion, and cooperatively preserve regional peace and stability,”
Beijing believes sanctions have never been a “fundamental and effective tool to address problems,” Hua said when asked whether China plans to impose sanctions on Russia.
Russia has been slapped with sanctions after deciding to send troops into Donetsk and Lugansk. Apart from USA, Britain, the European Union, Japan and Australia also placed sanctions on Russia.
Biden stated on Tuesday that the United States will continue to provide Ukraine with “defensive” weaponry in the event of a Russian invasion, and that the United States would also send soldiers to strengthen Nato partners in Eastern Europe.
During a televised speech at the White House, Vice President Joe Biden remarked, “Let me be clear, these are completely defensive steps on our part.”
