China calls for Russia-Ukraine ceasefire, hits out at ‘blocs’ in new position paper

China has called on all parties to support Russia and Ukraine in reaching a comprehensive ceasefire, as Beijing on Friday put out a new position paper spelling out its stand on the crisis...

Released on the one-year anniversary of the Russian invasion, the paper reflected Beijings approach of, on the one hand, saying it supported the sovereignty of all countries, while on the other, criticising the West and NATO, suggesting implicitly that their actions had been responsible for triggering the invasion..

On the way forward, it said Chinas view was that conflict and war benefit no one and all parties should support Russia and Ukraine 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...

The prominent difference in the two countries positions has been with regard to Chinas repeated criticism of NATO, which, for Western observers, has raised questions on its ability to play any role as a possible mediator..

Top Chinese diplomat Wang Yis visit to Russia this week, as well as recently frequent declarations by both sides that relations were currently in their best period in history, have reinforced those questions.. Fridays position paper, however, said dialogue and negotiation are the only viable solution to the Ukraine crisis and that China would continue to play a constructive role with pushing for a resumption in negotiations..

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