What is China's position? Attitude to consider Russia's position in the invasion of Ukraine

Regarding Russia's military invasion of Ukraine, China has often stated that it "wants to play an active role with the international community," but considering the position of its friendly Russia, the specific response is ambiguous. It remains in a good attitude.

Telephone talks the day after the military invasion

On February 25, the day after the military invasion began, President Xi Jinping held a telephone conversation with President Putin to urge a solution through discussions between Russia and Ukraine, but Russia opposed the eastern expansion of the NATO-North Atlantic Treaty Organization. With that in mind, he said, "We will respect the rational concerns of the countries concerned regarding security issues," and expressed a willingness to consider the position of the Russian side.

In addition, China has abstained from passing resolutions calling for immediate withdrawal at the UN Security Council and the emergency special session of the UN General Assembly, and has remained opposed to sanctions on Russia.

President Xi's "active role" and an ambiguous attitude

Meanwhile, President Xi said at an online summit meeting with France and Germany on the 8th of this month, "I would like to play an active role with the international community as needed by the countries concerned," and Prime Minister Li Keqiang also said on the 11th of this month. At a press conference on the day, he emphasized, "I want to play an active role in regaining peace with the international community."

These statements appear to be conscious of the voices of the international community calling on China to play an active role in arbitration, but remain ambiguous without mentioning the specific timing and method.

Now that the Beijing Olympics and Paralympics have been completed, President Xi wants to give top priority to domestic stability in preparation for the Communist Party Congress in the latter half of the year, aiming for an unusual continuation as the party's top.

For this reason, while it is necessary to consider the position of Russia, a friendly country, in countering the United States, it is desirable to wait and see the transition of the situation so that the criticism of the international community will not be directed to China by defending Russia. It seems to be true, and it is unclear how much active involvement will be shown at this meeting.