Russia is not only a political partner for China, but also a “source of resources,” said Ukrainian Ambassador to Beijing Pavlo Ryabikin.
“In fact, Moscow’s relationship with Beijing is a ‘marriage of convenience’ in which Russia turns into a Chinese raw material appendage,” Bloomberg quoted the diplomat as saying.
According to Ryabikin, Russia is becoming China’s “junior partner”; in the future, Beijing may force Moscow out of the “traditional regions of Russian influence,” primarily in Central Asia. Also, Ryabikin argues, the prospect of “creeping annexation of the Russian Far East, Transbaikalia and Siberia” is causing concern in Moscow.
Regarding China’s relations with Ukraine, the ambassador said that Kyiv and Beijing “have something to talk about.” The key theme is the establishment of peace in Ukraine, “in Europe and throughout the world”, followed by trade, humanitarian and cultural cooperation. Ryabikin also added that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is open to communication and is ready to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping if he wishes.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry has not yet commented on the Ukrainian ambassador’s statement.
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.
