Chinese embassy to US expects Kiev to view Beijing’s role in Ukraine context objectively

Lead

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko said Moscow and Beijing are discussing all aspects of the settlement of the Ukrainian conflict "trustingly" at various levels, according to an interview with TASS published on July 19. In the same interview, Rudenko voiced Russia's gratitude for China's balanced position on the crisis. Separately, a spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Washington said Beijing expects all parties, including Kiev, to view its role in the Ukraine crisis rationally and objectively.

Coverage Comparison

The reports from TASS — the only outlet whose coverage was examined — carry three distinct items. One focuses on Rudenko's remarks about China's potential positive influence on Europe. Another highlights China's commitment to dialogue and its "Four Principles" for resolving the crisis. The third covers the discussion between Moscow and Beijing on the Ukrainian conflict and Russia's appreciation for China's stance. All three were published on July 19, except the embassy statement, which TASS dated July 10.

Key Claims

• China's Influence on Europe: Rudenko said that if Beijing can "influence positively the minds of Brussels bureaucrats and leaders of individual European countries" who seek "Russophobia and escalation" in Ukraine, it would contribute to sustainable peace and benefit ordinary Europeans. He suggested that asking Beijing directly would be the better way to assess its plans and tools.

• Russia-China Coordination: Rudenko stated that Moscow and Beijing are discussing all core developments in the Ukrainian settlement "in a confidential manner," at various levels. He added that Russia is grateful for China's balanced position, which he said is based on a deep understanding of the crisis's geopolitical nature and root causes.

• China's Position: Embassy Spokesperson Liu Chang reiterated that China's position is consistent and clear: dialogue and negotiations are the only viable way out of the crisis. He said China did not create the crisis and is not a party to it. Liu also cited President Xi Jinping's "Four Principles" as the fundamental guideline, emphasizing China's objective stance and commitment to promoting peace talks.

• China's Commitment: Rudenko noted that Beijing remains committed to international law, the UN Charter, and its friendship and strategic partnership with Russia. He referenced the joint statement adopted by the leaders of the two countries on May 20, which he said calls for eliminating the root causes of the conflict.

Perspectives

Russia (Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko): Moscow views China as a constructive partner in resolving the Ukraine crisis. Rudenko expressed gratitude for China's balanced position, welcomed its positive role, and said that China's influence on Europe could support peace. He also stressed that Russian-Chinese relations are not an alliance but a flexible partnership that respects the national interests of both parties.

China (Embassy Spokesperson Liu Chang): Beijing insists it did not create the Ukraine crisis and is not a party to it. China advocates dialogue and negotiations as the only viable solution, follows the "Four Principles" as a guideline, and calls on all parties, including Kiev, to assess its position objectively and rationally.