The Foreign Ministry has released a paper called 'China's Position on the Political Settlement of the Ukraine Crisis.' /CFP
The Foreign Ministry has released a paper called 'China's Position on the Political Settlement of the Ukraine Crisis.' /CFP
China has revealed a 12-point paper called 'China's Position on the Political Settlement of the Ukraine Crisis' on the anniversary of the conflict.
Here's a breakdown of the main points.
1. Respecting the sovereignty of all countries. China says "international law... must be strictly observed" in the conflict, with the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of all countries effectively upheld. It stressed that "equal and uniform application" of such law should be promoted, while "double standards must be rejected."
2. Abandoning the Cold War mentality. A country's security should not be achieved by "expanding military blocs," the plan says, adding that "legitimate" security concerns must be taken seriously. "There is no simple solution to a complex issue," it adds, calling for "balanced, effective and sustainable" security architecture on the Eurasian continent.
3. Ceasing hostilities. The document calls for parties to "avoid fanning the flames" and prevent the crisis from "spiraling out of control." All parties should support Russia and Ukraine in deescalating the situation to reach a comprehensive ceasefire.
4. Resuming peace talks. Dialogue and negotiation are "the only viable solution to the Ukraine crisis," it says, adding that China will continue to "play a constructive role" in promoting such talks.
5. Resolving the humanitarian crisis. The document stresses that humanitarian operations should be impartial and not be politicized so as to provide "rapid, safe and unimpeded" access to prevent a wider humanitarian crisis.
6. Protecting civilians and prisoners of war (POWs). The paper says both parties should avoid striking civilians or civilian facilities, while stressing China's supports for the exchange of POWs.
READ MORE
China and Hungary discuss political solutions to end war in Ukraine
'Kyiv stands strong and free' says Biden in response to Putin's claims
UN appeals for $1bn to help 5m+ in Türkiye
7. Keeping nuclear power plants safe. The paper calls on the conflicting siders to stop armed attacks against nuclear power plants and "resolutely avoid man-made nuclear accidents."
8. Reducing strategic risks. Nuclear weapons must not be used, it states, adding that the threat such weapons and nuclear proliferation should also be opposed.
9. Facilitating grain exports. The paper also stresses the importance of the Black Sea Grain Initiative which allows agricultural products to be exported from the conflicting countries.
10. Stopping unilateral sanctions. China says that sanctions and "long-arm jurisdiction" cannot solve the issue; "they only create new problems."
11. Keeping industrial and supply chains stable. The paper calls to avoid using the world economy as a political "tool or weapon", giving special attention to preventing the disruption of cooperation in energy, finance, food trade and transportation.
12. Promoting post-conflict reconstruction. It concludes that the international community needs to support post-conflict reconstruction, stressing China's willingness to help in this endeavour.
Subscribe to Storyboard: A weekly newsletter bringing you the best of CGTN every Friday