Anyone who had thought that China could distance itself from Moscow in view of the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine was taught a lesson on Monday.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi praised Sino-Russian relations to the skies in his annual press conference.

"Sino-Russian cooperation (...) contributes to peace, stability and development in the world," Wang Yi said.

He described the friendship with Russia as "rock solid" and "one of the most important bilateral relationships in the world".

He further said, "No matter how bleak the international situation, China and Russia will (...) continue their comprehensive strategic partnership in the new era."

Friederike Böge

Political correspondent for China, North Korea and Mongolia.

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Asked whether China is ready to use its influence in Russia to end the war in Ukraine, Wang Yi referred to a Feb. 25 phone call Chinese leader Xi Jinping had with Russian President Vladimir Putin .

Xi "expressed his wish that Russia and Ukraine should hold peace talks as soon as possible."

It is hoped that progress will be made in the forthcoming third round of talks, Wang Yi said.

China is ready to intervene as a mediator “if necessary”.

However, the minister did not give any details.

Beijing speaks of a "Ukraine problem"

Over the weekend, Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said China had signaled its interest in "stopping this war" to its government.

Kuleba went on to say, "Chinese diplomacy has sufficient tools to make a difference and we count on (...) their efforts to be successful."

Wang Yi did not respond to these statements.

They were not discussed in the Chinese state media either.

The foreign minister avoided any criticism of Russia's actions and even thanked the Russian and Belarusian governments for their support of China's efforts to bring its own Ukrainian citizens to safety.

Words like war, invasion or attack were not spoken by Wang Yi.

Instead he spoke of the "Ukraine problem" and the "situation in Ukraine".

He repeated the statement that the "situation" was due to "complex causes" and that the "legitimate security needs of all parties, including Russia, must be taken into account".

Referring to the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, Wang Yi demanded that humanitarian issues should not be "politicized".

He called on the warring parties to ensure "safe and smooth" access for humanitarian aid.

Wang Yi saved all critical words for the United States.

In the Indo-Pacific, Washington is trying to "establish a new version of NATO to maintain the US-led hegemony system."

America has "revived the Cold War mentality, fueled confrontation and fueled instability and divisions."

The annual press conference of the Foreign Minister takes place every year as part of the National People's Congress.

Due to corona measures, the handpicked journalists were not admitted to the Great Hall of the People, but were only connected to Wang Yi via a video connection from a press center.

Nevertheless, they were required to isolate themselves in a hotel the night before to await the result of a corona test.