Beijing is seeking to improve relations with Europe and is trying to “keep a distance” from Moscow, The New York Times (NYT) writes based on analysts’ opinions.
In particular, the publication mentions the recent tour of European countries by Wang Yi, head of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, whose main goal was to “attract European countries in order to urgently revive their economies and find common ground.” Analysts interviewed by the NYT note that Wang Yi also refused to directly support Moscow, noting that “China does not want the crisis to drag on and escalate.”
At the same time, the publication emphasizes that the United States is exerting “serious pressure” on Beijing, despite the attempts of the Chinese side to “establish a dialogue.” After nearly two years of “cool relations,” the collapse of a major investment deal and the conflict in Ukraine, analysts say, “European leaders were hoping to hear that China would soften its tone and demonstrate a willingness to further increase the distance between itself and Moscow.” Instead, Wang Yi, at a security conference in Munich, “drastically ignited a war of words” with the United States over the spy balloon incident, calling Washington’s reaction “absurd and hysterical,” the article said.
However, China only criticizes the US, while trying to “appeal to Europe’s sense of autonomy.” Analysts assume that the reluctance to directly support Moscow in the conflict in Ukraine is due to Beijing’s intention to revive trade ties with the EU.
Recall that after the start of the special operation, China did not impose sanctions against Russia and condemned similar steps by other countries. During the Munich Conference in mid-February, Wang Yi announced a Chinese plan to resolve the conflict, respecting the “sovereignty of all countries.” According to Bloomberg, Beijing’s plan to resolve the conflict in Ukraine includes a call for a ceasefire and a suspension of arms supplies to Kyiv.
Source: Rosbalt
Mario Twitchell is an accomplished author and journalist, known for his insightful and thought-provoking writing on a wide range of topics including general and opinion. He currently works as a writer at 247 news agency, where he has established himself as a respected voice in the industry.
