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China calls on US not to harm Beijing’s interests while dealing with Russia

Tuesday, 15 March 2022 4:20 PM [ Last Update: Tuesday, 15 March 2022 4:20 PM ]

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (photo by Reuters)

China has called on the United States not to harm Beijing’s legitimate rights and interests while dealing with Russia over its ongoing military offensive against Ukraine.

In one of the most explicit remarks about US-threatened penalties, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said any sanctions would hurt all parties amid a pandemic-hit global economy.

Wang also in a phone call with his Spanish counterpart, Jose Manuel Albares, on Monday said China did not want to be impacted by Western economic sanctions imposed on Russia.

“China is not a party to the crisis, still less wants to be affected by the sanctions,” the top Chinese diplomat said.

He added that China rejected sanctions in principle and “has the right to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests,” calling the nearly three-week conflict in Ukraine “the product of the accumulation and intensification of European security contradictions over the years.”

US officials have claimed that Russia has asked China for military equipment, as fighting rages between Ukrainian forces and Russian troops. White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said during a recent interview with NBC that China would face consequences if it helped Russia evade the sanctions imposed by Washington and its allies in response to Moscow’s military offensive in Ukraine.

US: China will face consequences if it helps Russia evade sanctions

The United States says China will face consequences if it helps Russia evade sanctions imposed by Washington and its allies in response to Moscow’s military operation in Ukraine.

The United States has provided Ukraine with several hundred millions in additional military assistance.

China has denied the accusation by the US.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on February 24 ordered a “special military operation” in Ukraine’s Donbass region.

China decries Russia sanctions as 'illegal'; urges parties to show restraint

China has denounced sanctions imposed by the Western countries against Russia over the military operation in Ukraine as “illegal”, blaming Washington for escalating tensions between the two former Soviet neighbors.

The Biden administration has imposed harsh economic and banking sanctions on Russia in response. Biden said the sanctions would limit Russia's ability to do business in dollars, euros, pounds, and yen.

The US was also working with Group of Seven (G-7) nations to revoke the “most favored nation” trade status for Russia.

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