Vladimir Putin (left) and Xi Jinping (centre) meet in China to discuss about military joint operations and new trading ties. Russia and China have become closer over the past decade, rivalling the US’s friendship with the EU, echoing global relations in the beginning of the Global War.
This article is expressing the views of the Ukraine Crisis through a Chinese diplomat. Qu Xing, ambassador to Belgium, has stated that Western powers should consider Russia’s legitimate security concerns over Ukraine before punishing Russia. He also expressed that the crisis was escalated due to the intervention of different external powers and that Moscow will not change its approach unless the West reconsiders. Such comments are unusual given that China remains neutral towards the Ukraine issue. Russia and China have close relations and political and economic goals with similar perspectives on world event, yet China is reluctant to join any side in the Ukraine conflict. Trying to maintain friendly relations with US and the EU while cautious not to alienate a major ally, China has expressed a desire to develop “friendly cooperation” with Ukraine as well as respecting the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. However, ambassador Qu stated that the US should not involve itself on such a regional issue. This article is not directly arguing anything but rather indirectly suggesting what China really views about the Ukraine Crisis. In terms of biasism in the article, the author expresses the EU or West supporting side of China and the pro-Russian views of China. The statements of just one man actually can be important in foreign affairs. If the views of a Chinese diplomat strongly support Russia, there might be other Chinese government officials with the same views. In the unlikely event that China supports Russia over Ukraine, the whole balance of power could change which could lead to sanctions on China which could damage the global economy. It also shows the support for Russia from the Chinese as the two nations are forming closer ties. In addition, China and India have announced that they will provide economic assistance to Russia if the Russian economy cannot endure the Western Sanctions. The two BRIC countries have also abstained on a UN vote to not recognize the Russian annexation of Crimean with the addition of Brazil and South Africa. This just shows the support for Russia that China has offered that might balance the Earth’s influence like it was a century ago. This might mark the beginning of a new Cold War.
Things to think about:
Considering the political views of Qu XIng, do you think that President Xi Jinping of China also shares similar perspectives? Is so, what does that mean for the future of the world?
Does this mark the beginning of conflicting influences in Asia with China as the main belligerent? Will India and other regional powers join in after China? What will this mean for China’s political rivals such as Japan or the Phillipines?
Does this mark the beginning of conflicting influences in Asia with China as the main belligerent? Will India and other regional powers join in after China? What will this mean for China’s political rivals such as Japan or the Phillipines?
Read more from Reuters, reported Fri. Feb. 27, 2015 3:48AM EST |