One year into the war in Ukraine, China has informed the UN that “brutal facts offer an ample proof that sending weapons will not bring peace”; this statement comes just days after the United States and NATO urged Beijing against providing Moscow with military assistance.
After Russia began its full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022, Western nations have sent Ukraine billions of dollars’ worth of weapons. The US and NATO have recently accused China of considering arming Russia and have warned Beijing from doing so. China has denied the accusations.
Tensions won’t be reduced by adding “fuel to the fire”. Ordinary people would only pay an even greater price if the conflict is prolonged and escalated, China’s UN Deputy Ambassador Dai Bing warned the UN General Assembly on Thursday.
- Countries must stop ‘fueling the fire’ in Ukraine conflict — China says
- Pope Francis urges ceasefire and negotiations in Ukraine war
The remarks were made hours before the General Assembly adopted a resolution urging that Russia remove its troops and end hostilities in order to achieve a “comprehensive, just, and lasting peace.”
With 141 votes in favor and 32 against, the resolution was passed. Six nations, including Russia, abstained.
“I can only repeat what he told me: China is not providing arms for Russia and it will not provide arms to Russia because it’s part of their foreign policy not to arm parties in a conflict,” he said. “We have to remain vigilant.”
Vladimir Putin, the president of Russia, has frequently mentioned that Moscow may use a nuclear weapon if threatened since Moscow invaded its neighbour.
“Nuclear weapons cannot be used, nuclear war cannot be fought,” Dai said. “All parties should join together against the use or threat of use of nuclear weapons, prevent nuclear proliferation and avoid a nuclear crisis.”
