(FiveNation.com)- While much of the world immediately came out and denounced Russian’s invasion of Ukraine this week, there is one major world power that has refused to do so — China.
To this point, many main officials in the Communist country have been hesitant to call what Russia has termed a “special military operation” as what it actually is — a full-scale invasion that looks like it’s going to turn into all-out war.
These Chinese officials instead have urged Ukrainian residents to exercise restraint, while also advising their own citizens to stay away from the fighting and stay at home.
On Thursday, the spokeswoman for the Foreign Ministry in China, Hua Chunying, said:
“China is closely monitoring the latest situation. We call on all sides to exercise restraint to prevent the situation from getting out of control.”
When pressed by reporters on whether China would label the “special military operation” as indeed an invasion, Hua quickly fired back by saying:
“This is perhaps a difference between China and you Westerners. We won’t go rushing to a conclusion.
“Regarding the definition of an invasion, I think we should go back to how to view the current situation in Ukraine. The Ukrainian issue has a very complicated historical background that has continued to today. It may not be what everyone wants to see.”
While Hua said that China still held out “hope that the parties concerned will not shut the door to peace,” she seemed to be very careful not to criticize Russian President Vladimir Putin’s actions.
At the same time, she was very quick to criticize the “West” and the United States. Indeed, she accused the United States and other countries that have followed suit with sanctions on Russia of actually intensifying the conflict. She commented:
“Some countries have been following the U.S. in fanning the flame. We object to any action that hypes up war.”
This response shouldn’t necessarily be a surprise to anyone. While China is probably in no rush to jump full-fledged into the war on Russia’s behalf, they also aren’t ready to simply back the United States and other Western countries — about this conflict or any other situation, for that matter.
Many political pundits have been concerned that, if this conflict were to get too big, one of Russia’s natural allies could end up being China. While they may not have the same objectives when it comes to Ukraine specifically, both Russia and China certainly have a hatred for the United States and the West.
As a result, if things get too bad — or cross a line in Chinese officials’ minds — then China could easily start supporting Russia in their fight, either directly with troops or indirectly with money, weapons and trade.
In recent years, the two countries have maintained a partnership, including both expressing their support in early February for more restrictions on activities by NATO.
As a result, officials with the U.S. State Department have said they believe China has “tacit support” for this invasion by Russia of Ukraine.
