China calls for cessation of hostilities and start of peace talks in Ukraine

Beijing issued a 12-point communiqué outlining its proposals to achieve an end to the war.

El Gobierno chino ha propuesto un plan de paz para Ucrania. — (Cordon Press)

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24 de febrero, 2023

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The Chinese government issued an official statement outlining its official position and offering a proposal to achieve peace in Ukraine. Layed out in twelve points, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the communist regime calls for a cessation of hostilities and the establishment of peace negotiations. He also calls for the non-use, and non-threat of use, of nuclear weapons, and to overcome "the Cold War mentality." China is also calling for an end to unilateral sanctions against Russia, and for efforts to focus on resolving the humanitarian crisis of civilians affected by the conflict along with working to ensure future grain supplies and reconstruction efforts.

On the anniversary of the beginning of the Russian invasion, and with US and European accusations of further rapprochement by the Asian country with Russia, Xi Jinping's Executive called for peace. To achieve this, the Chinese communiqué demands first of all "respecting the sovereignty of all countries."

The sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of all countries must be effectively upheld. All countries, big or small, strong or weak, rich or poor, are equal members of the international community. All parties should jointly uphold the basic norms governing international relations and defend international fairness and justice. Equal and uniform application of international law should be promoted, while double standards must be rejected.

Dialogue, "the only viable solution"

In addition, Beijing called for a cessation of hostilities and the opening of peace talks. The communiqué demands that the two parties make an effort to "stay rational and exercise restraint." The international community is also called upon to support both sides "in working in the same direction and resuming direct dialogue as quickly as possible, so as to gradually deescalate the situation and ultimately reach a comprehensive ceasefire."

For Xi's Executive, "dialogue and negotiation are the only viable solution to the Ukrainian crisis. All efforts conducive to the peaceful settlement of the crisis must be encouraged and supported." In this regard, the communiqué calls for assistance from the international community to "help parties to the conflict open the door to a political settlement as soon as possible, and create conditions and platforms for the resumption of negotiation." Beijing stresses that, "China will continue to play a constructive role in this regard."

China calls for an end to sanctions against Russia

As part of the approach to a negotiated solution, the Communist Executive calls for "an end to unilateral sanctions on Russia." According to the communiqué, these measures "cannot solve the issue; they only create new problems. China opposes unilateral sanctions not authorized by the UN Security Council."

In the face of growing global tension, especially following Vladimir Putin's suspension of the New START nuclear non-proliferation agreement, Beijing is calling for the removal of the threat of nuclear weapons and, of course, the non use of nuclear weapons under any circumstances. He also demanded that there be no recourse to chemical or biological weapons and that the combatants respect nuclear plants to avoid catastrophes.

Nuclear weapons must not be used and nuclear wars must not be fought. The threat or use of nuclear weapons should be opposed. Nuclear proliferation must be prevented and nuclear crisis avoided. China opposes the research, development and use of chemical and biological weapons by any country under any circumstances.

Do not use nuclear weapons

Along with this recommendation, the Chinese government called on the major powers to abandon "the Cold War mentality" because "the security of one country should not be pursued at the expense of others. The security of a region should not be achieved by reinforcing or expanding military blocs." On the contrary:

All parties must, following the vision of a common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security and taking into account the long-term peace and stability of the world, contribute to forging a balanced, effective and sustainable European security architecture. All parties should oppose the pursuit of their own security at the expense of the security of others, avoid bloc confrontation and work together for peace and stability on the Eurasian continent.

Finally, China called for prioritizing the safety of civilians and prisoners of war and addressing and resolving the humanitarian crisis being caused by the war, with more than 8,006 civilians killed and more than 18 million people in dire need, according to the UN. He also called for the resumption of Ukrainian grain exports, as well as maintaining a stable supply chain to assist in coping with the reconstruction of the country when the war ends.