Since the beginning of Russia’s offensive war against Ukraine, China has always sought diplomatic restraint. Until now there have been abstentions on important votes at the United Nations, but now there is a slight turnaround. For the first time, the country voted in favor of a resolution calling Russia an “aggressor” in Ukraine.
While the vast majority of UN countries have so far condemned Russia’s incursions into Ukraine, pro-Russian countries such as Belarus, North Korea, Eritrea, Mali, Nicaragua and Syria have consistently sided with Moscow at UN meetings. Due to numerous abstentions or votes against, China was also internationally classified as pro-Russian.
As is now known, the mood of the Asians could have changed somewhat in the last vote. In addition to India, Brazil and other states close to Russia, China also voted on April 26 for a resolution “recognizing” Moscow for its military aggression against Ukraine. To this end, the need to respect the “independence and territorial integrity of all states” is stressed.
Only five countries oppose resolution
The resolution, proposed by 48 states, called for cooperation between the United Nations and the Council of Europe to address, among other things, the “unprecedented challenges facing Europe following Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and Georgia” and was adopted in a total of 122 countries subscribed.
Of the 127 countries that took part in the vote, only five opposed the resolution: Russia, Belarus, North Korea, Nicaragua and Syria. Eighteen states abstained from voting.
China’s neutrality with a list
However, the rather surprising mood should not be seen as an aversion to Russia. On the contrary, Beijing should try to be seen as more neutral in the conflict – the phone call between President Xi Jinping and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy proves this.
Expert sees ‘clear warning to Moscow’
But it’s also a “plain reminder to Moscow” that it has very little influence over China “and basically has to swallow what it’s put in front of it,” explains historian Sergei Radschenko of the Henry Kissinger Center for Global Affairs at Johns Hopkins. University. Rather, it is the “expected result of Putin’s disastrous one-sided embrace of Beijing,” he continues.
So China still seems to be more on Russia’s side, but would rather freeze the conflict than postpone it indefinitely or escalate it, according to the Cold War expert. “A weakened/isolated Russia, post-war committed to Beijing, objectively serves China’s interests,” Radchenko said.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
