Today the Russian News Agency published a release claiming that China is ready to increase Russian imports despite that country’s invasion of Ukraine, and that China “is against anti-Russia sanctions.”
The remarks were reportedly made at a meeting of the Russian-Chinese Business Council at the Russian Chamber of Commerce in Moscow, where Chinese Ambassador Zhang Hanui apparently framed Western sanctions against Russia as an opportunity for China and Russia to develop closer business relationships.
“Chinese entrepeneurs wish to cooperate particularly with Russian partners,” Hanui reportedly told the business leaders. He then noted the ongoing trade of oil, gas, and coal in the two countries, after noting China may be interested in importing more “seafood” from Russia.
The Russians then quote the diplomat as he offered his thoughts on the sanctions levied against Russia.
“Some countries want to make China join the anti-Russia alliance,” Hanui reportedly said. “But I reiterate that China’s position is independent in this regard.”
Russia has been repeatedly accused of publishing propaganda that gets picked up by Western sources since the start of its “special military operation” in Ukraine.
However, China has previously signaled sympathy for the Russian cause.
Last week we reported that Vice Foreign Minister Le Yucheng expressed sympathy with Russia and suggested that sanctions will push the country closer to China.
“The sanctions against Russia are getting more and more outrageous,” said Yucheng.
He later added that “History has proven time and time again that sanctions cannot solve problems,” and, “Sanctions will only harm ordinary people, impact the global and financial system… and worsen the global economy.”
More recently, China stood with Putin on a more personal level by refusing Poland’s suggestion to expel Russia from G20, and thus ban its president from summit later this year.
China’s “independent” position comes despite intense pressure from Western governments for the country to join in condemning Russia for what that country calls a “special military operation” in Ukraine. China was one of a handful of nations that did not vote to condemn the invasion in the United Nations.
At the beginning of the conflict, Russia reportedly asked China for military and economic assistance with its invasion. It was not reported how China replied, but it would seem the countries have grown closer economically since the invasion began last month.
Meanwhile, yesterday Joe Biden warned of “food shortages” in Europe and the United States, and acknowledged that Russia’s will not be the only economy to suffer from the U.S.-led disruption to global trade.
Today the American president told soldiers stationed in Poland that they would soon see the bravery of Ukrainian citizens first hand, suggesting U.S. troops would soon head to the war torn country. The White House quickly corrected the president, and assured the public that there was no plan to send troops to Ukraine.
Russia launched its “special military operation” in Ukraine last month after a years long standoff over the disputed Donbass region. Putin claims he launched the “special military operation” to protect ethnic Russians from Ukrainian state violence, while Ukraine and much of the international community say the invasion was unprovoked.
