China and the Russian invasion of Ukraine

The article from Wikipedia discusses China's complex and multifaceted response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. China's stance has been ambivalent, simultaneously blaming NATO expansion, which Russia cites as a justification for the war, while also emphasizing respect for Ukraine's territorial integrity. China has not condemned Russia's actions and has abstained in United Nations votes concerning the war.

While the Chinese government has opposed economic sanctions against Russia, Chinese companies have largely complied with these sanctions. Drones from Chinese manufacturers are being used by both sides in the conflict, and some Chinese firms face U.S. sanctions for supplying weaponry components and dual-use technology to Russia. Chinese state media and public opinion often exhibit a pro-Russia bias.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy acknowledged China's policy of non-involvement, which Ukraine found satisfactory at the time. He later stated that China could economically pressure Putin to end the war. China has tried to mediate between Russia and Ukraine but faced criticism for its efforts.

In early 2022, reports suggested that China asked Russia to delay the invasion until after the Winter Olympics, a claim China denies. The Chinese government evacuated its citizens from Ukraine following the invasion and emphasized the importance of respecting Ukraine's sovereignty. In April, China described its relationship with Russia as a new model of international relations, avoiding confrontations.

In September 2022, a top Chinese official, Li Zhanshu, appeared to support Russian actions, blaming NATO expansion. The Chinese government objected to labeling the Russian invasion as a "war" at the G20 summit and was reportedly considering sending lethal aid to Russia, disguised as civilian items, although U.S. officials have not seen evidence of this.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba had a phone call discussing the conflict. Xi Jinping held meetings with various world leaders, emphasizing China's desire for peace negotiations. In 2023, Xi visited Russia to meet Putin and had a call with Zelenskyy, discussing a potential peace plan.

China abstained from several key U.N. votes regarding the conflict. It proposed a twelve-point peace plan in February 2023, which received a mixed response. The plan was presented at an international peace discussion in August 2023.

The article also touches on the role of Chinese state media in shaping public opinion, which has largely favored Russia. The Chinese public has shown mixed reactions, with some supporting Russia and others expressing anti-war sentiments.

Regarding industry, there have been reports of Chinese companies providing non-lethal assistance to Russia, and U.S. concerns about potential lethal aid. The U.S. has sanctioned Chinese entities for their involvement with Russia.

In summary, China's response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine is characterized by a delicate balancing act, seeking to maintain its strategic interests while navigating the complexities of international diplomacy and public opinion.