China on Wednesday hit back at US criticism of Beijing’s efforts to push for peace talks to end the fighting in Ukraine as Chinese President Xi Jinping concluded his three-day visit to Moscow.
National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters on Tuesday that China was not “impartial” due to its relationship with Russia, comments that drew a rebuke from the Chinese Foreign Ministry.
“The US says China’s position cannot be seen as impartial. Does that mean pouring weapons into the conflict should be seen as impartial? Does that mean causing the crisis to escalate should be seen as impartial?” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said.
Wang described Xi’s trip to Moscow as a “journey of friendship, cooperation and peace” and called on the US to stop stoking the conflict in Ukraine. “We call on the US to reflect on its own role in the Ukraine issue, stop fueling the flames, and stop deflecting the blame on China. We will continue to stand firm on the side of peace and dialogue,” he said.
The US has come out strongly against any Chinese efforts to foster negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. Before Xi’s trip, Kirby said the US was against calls for a ceasefire, and Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Monday that the world “should not be fooled” by Beijing’s initiative.
Xi is expected to soon speak with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for the first time since Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022. Zelensky has expressed an openness to a 12-point peace plan Beijing released and wants to talk with Xi, although other top Ukrainian officials have ruled out the idea of negotiating with Putin.
Besides discussing Ukraine, Xi and Putin also vowed to strengthen trade and other aspects of their partnership, including increasing transactions using the yuan, efforts the two nations see as vital to creating a more multipolar world. When departing the Kremlin, Xi told Putin: “Right now there are changes – the likes of which we haven’t seen for 100 years – and we are the ones driving these changes together.”
So China is doing what US won’t. Incredible.
And furthermore, what China is doing puts the US in an awkward position in the diplomatic sphere. The US may continue to claim that this is just a war between Ukraine and Russia, but if that is to believed then the US, as a world power, would be expected to offer support for a negotiated peace. China’s offer to lead mediate negotiation puts the US contradiction out in the open.
OUCH !!!
The retort by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin is quite simply brilliant.
John Kirby is utterly clueless – Just like his predecessors he simply doesn’t have any real talent when it comes to matters relating to diplomacy – His only strong point is being a complete and utter hypocrite – I suspect that he receives a stupendous paycheck as some form of consolation for continually embarrassing himself in front of a wordwide audience.
Do you imagine that John Kirby or pretty much any leading figure from the US, UK or EU countries (possibly excluding Hungary) imagine that they can be seen as impartial?
In the end no one is impartial – what does matter is which ideology is being pursued and if that is based on sound moral values.
Take for example Irishman Mike Wallace who serves as a wonderful example of a politician with a spine and who dares to question the US illogical narrative as opposed to the majority of spineless politico and mouthpieces such as John Kirby.
I’d say it mattered a whole lot if they want to mediate – if one party sees them as having interests clearly aligned with their enemy – then their ability to broker compromises will be severely limited as trust likely will be completely absent.
Please bear in mind that the unfolding drama in Ukraine is all because of the US/NATO failed to keep their guarantees that they would not move an inch to the East.
However using your logic [/s] the US ought to cease meddling into other nations affairs like for example US admitted involvement in the 2014 coup against a democratically elected government.
Obama openly admits ‘brokering power transition’ in Ukraine
Venezuela is another – Who is the US to appoint Guano when Maduro was the winner of democratically held election deemed fair by international observers.
I’m sure you see it that way as I’m sure Putin sees it that way – which is why I’m also sure that the US could not mediate a deal. I did not argue that the Chinese could not mediate a deal only that they can only do so with the Ukrainians who may see them as impartial enough, the issue is that for the Chinese peace plan to work they need the west to end the sanctions and the cold war way of seeing things – I do not see them achieving that.
My logics only applies to the role of mediator – that said I agree that the US should not meddle in the internal affairs of other nations.
Maybe a few, it’s early. This confrontation is apt to get way more dangerous, before the guns go quiet. ‘Kill the chickens to scare the monkey” may open many minds if it should occur.
Could you name any of the ones you think believe they could be seen as impartial?
OOOOOoooooo NO. These people like Kirby don’t need big pay to get them pontificating. They are true believers that the U.S. & NATO are the good guys & China and Russia are the bad guys. Look back to the Iraq invasion because Sadam had WMDs. When no WMDs were found, did they apologize & exiit, or carry on as though their fake stated Casus Belli was a minor detail. The British medical journal said 950,000 Iraqis were killed, but lately I have heard that it was two million. It’s the NEOCON’s “Creative Destruction” at work once again” They are shameless beyond comprehension. 500,000 dead kids Madelain Albright’s: “We think it was worth it”
The US seems worried that Zelenskyy may leave the reservation.
China may not be impartial. But unlike the US and Putin’s Russia, China has a track record of pursuing its enlightened self interest by seeking peaceful resolutions and win-win outcomes. A lot depends on Xi’s virtual meeting with Zelenskyy. Can China balance loyalty to its ally with its historic commitment to self determination and territorial integrity (point one of China’s peace proposal)?
I don’t believe Ukraine will agree to a ceasefire without a commitment by Russia to withdrawal. The Ukrainians will not accept the present line of control. But if China can convince Putin to withdraw to the February 24, 2022 lines, China might be able to get Ukraine to accept a temporary ceasefire.
I don’t expect a ceasefire soon. But if Xi can convince Zelenskyy that China is a honest broker and sincere about point one of China’s peace proposal, their meeting could lead to a process that could eventually lead to peace.
The peace negotiations that ended the Vietnam and Afghan wars took years. Patience is a virtue that China has in abundance.
If Zelensky was going to be allowed to act in the interest of Ukraine then a ceasefire and a peace negotiation would be possible. But the elephant in the room is the United States, who doesn’t want peace in Ukraine. The United States will do everything they can to wreck any peace plan, regardless of the consequences for the Ukrainian people.
Especially if that peace plan is initiated by —-gasp—-CHINA, Johnny!
He would have to head for his place in Italy. Pronto.
But China is in the room and China is bigger than the elephant. Russia and Ukraine don’t trust each other. But Russia trusts China. If Xi can win Zelenskyy’s trust by demonstrating China’s commitment to Ukrainian self determination and territorial integrity in exchange for Ukrainian guarantees of Russian security backed by China, a productive negotiation process could begin. China does not recognize Russia’s annexation of Crimea and officially regards Crimea and Donbas as part of Ukraine. Before the war China was Ukraine’s main trading partner and China has a lot to offer Ukraine in return for concessions that address Russia’s security concerns while preserving Ukraine’s independence and territorial integrity. The US would like the proxy war to continue to weaken Russia But Ukrainians would prefer peace with their independence and territorial integrity. If China can deliver that along with security guarantees for Russia and a deal that protects the rights of ethnic Russians in Donbas and respects the rights of the people of Donbas and Crimea to self determination, then there may be a peaceful way out for Ukraine and Russia that leaves US/NATO in the cold.
I am.all for NATO taking a flying F–k out of Ukraine and letting peace have a chance.
If China can guarantee Ukraine its territory and sovereignty, I would agree. If US/NATO is the elephant in the room, a mammoth just walked in. China’s twelve point peace plan makes a lot of sense. Apparently Zelenskyy is interested despite US objections. Thatis good. Chinese mediation may lead to a way out of this mess that leaves US/NATO in terminal decline. This will all depend on Xi’s ability to balance the China’s loyalty to its ally against China’s historical commitment to peace, self determination and territorial integrity (Point 1 of China’s peace proposal).
“”China does not recognize Russia’s annexation of Crimea and officially regards Crimea and Donbas as part of Ukraine.””
everybody seems to ignore what crimea and donbass want.
except for russia who is actually sticking up for them.
Why do you think the sessionists have mass support in Donbas?
A UN supervised referendum after the Russians withdraw and the refugees have an opportunity to return would be the best way to guage the opinion of the people of Donbas.
Exactly… Some people talk as if we were playing chess here, but there are people and their lives at stake… None of the minorities living in Ukraine had a good life, but the hardest hit due propaganda was the Russian speaking part of the country… One shall see the right of actual people living there for self determination as more than territorial claims of some people from Western Ukraine that were long-term marking them sub-human and treating them as such… And while at it, there are more oppressed nations in other parts of Ukraine, even to the point of their nationality or languages not being recognised while the neighbouring countries recognise them perfectly fine… Something smells weird about these “one nation” efforts, if only we could tell why…
I’m still convinced China will not be able to persuade Russia on “The sovereignty of all countries is respected.”
Then as soon as Xi departs Putin launches a massive strike on civilian infrastructure killing a few and injuring one child.
Russia has stated multiple times it will not return the stolen land plus it will look very bad for them to do so after losing 15 soldiers in this war… but I hope I’m proved wrong.
Why not be critical of your own government, Don? It’s my government too, that’s why my criticism is focused squarely on the United States government. It reminds me of H.L. Mencken saying that every decent man is ashamed of the government he lives under. The conduct of the United States government gives all of us who live under it an abundance of reasons to be ashamed.
Because in some cases, like in this one, I support the help my government is giving Ukraine to fight for its freedom and independence. I’m against many of US foreign policies but that doesn’t mean I will side with our adversaries because I want my government/country to fail and learn a lesson. While I believe there is a bunch of hawks in the USG, I too believe there are a bunch of leaders that are truly good and honest guys.
Your criticism is focused squarely on the USG? I can see that. So much that you side with Putin’s actions in Ukraine.
I’m not here to criticize the USG, I’m here to balance the blame game and call out Russia’s actions, especially the one guy who invaded. He doesn’t get a pass with me as I consider him the number one belligerent in this war, something most folks here conveniently ignore.
Your government started this fight and your government keeps this fight going. That’s what you conveniently ignore. Everything Russia has done is in reaction to your government’s provocations, which your government spent years planning and carrying out.
I believe that Thomas Jefferson said”when the Government does not meet the needs of the people the people should overthrow the Government”. Does any rational reasonablely intelligent American think that we are going in the right direction?Is everything hunky dory. Are people losing their housing and food stamps as well as their jobs? Does anyone think the current crop of leaders{sic} has any answers.
Good to hear then there is at least some hope that you also believe that the Ukrainians had the right to overthrow a government they felt did not meet their needs (as they did in 2014) and to do so again should they feel that their current or any future government net meet their needs.
US/NATO provoked this war. But Russia started it. Intention is not the same as agency. You pull the trigger, you are responsible for the consequences.
Without those provocations Russia would not have been pulling any triggers on Ukraine.
Exactly. Provocation does not justify a war. Especially when the war is counter productive for Russia. China has been provoked beyond endurance by the US and Taiwan. But China pursues its enlightened self interest and takes the long view.
Like Putin, Hitler was provoked into starting world war II. Like Putin, Hitler was a war criminal who committed aggression against his neighbors.
Fifteen months ago Ukraine was a security threat on Russia’s southern border. Putin traded the threat of war for an actual war that that has killed thousands of Russians. Fifteen months ago there was no way Ukraine could have joined NATO. It would have been blocked by Germany, France, Hungary and others. Now Ukraine is a NATO protectorate and Finland and Sweden are aspiring to membership. By any measure, the war was a mistake for Russia and that is precisely why the US provoked it.
“Because in some cases, like in this one, I support the help my government is giving Ukraine to fight for its freedom and independence.”
But they won’t support them enough to “win” that freedom or independence. You just can’t seem to grasp that. Even when it has been openly stated. The west is USING Ukraine.
If we were serious about giving Ukraine help to fight for it’s freedom, we’d get rid of the Dictator of Ukraine as the first step.
An elected leader – i.e. not a dictator – his term is not up yet – and for all we know if they can organize it they may very well hold elections again when his term in office ends – in 2024.
OUR government doesn’t respect any sovereignity of Ukraine. How does the US forbidding them to negotiate a peace from day one look like Ukraine is “sovereign” ?
Do not bet your life on peace anytime soon. It is entirely opposite of Us interests to make peace. Too much money is at stake.
Agreed that US neocons want the war to continue. But China’s involvement may offer Ukraine a way to defend its independence and territorial integrity without an endless war. China may be able to offer Ukraine a better future in a multi-polar world order than as a war torn protectorate of NATO and debtor to the EU/IMF. If China is sincere about its twelve points, Ukraine may opt for peace.
“if China can convince Putin to withdraw to the February 24, 2022 lines, China might be able to get Ukraine to accept a temporary ceasefire.”
russia agrees to withdraw…in return for ukraine “accept[ing] a temporary ceasefire“?
BWAAAAAAAH-HA-HA-HA-HA! Good one!!! Tell the truth – you recited that line for HOURS in front of yr bathroom mirror to say it with a straight face – didn’t ya now?
I watched the video clip of Medea Benjamin yelling for negotiations to stop the war as she was pulled and escorted out of that farcical hearing by the deep state. I saw how the people around her, the staffers and officials acted. Suddenly, it hit me. NOBODY CARED! That clip is representative of our entire country. NOBODY CARES! …I need to stop drinking this coffee. (Sarcasm alert)
https://twitter.com/TruthPuke/status/1638714644583055360
Now, THAT really got my blood boiling NA!
I wish I’d have been there. NOBODY f*cks with Medea! I’d have given the goons a swift kick in the nuts, then enjoyed some relaxing jail time.
Few living within the Beltway care.
“The Honorable Anthony Blinken”
If that isn’t enough to make you upchuck, nothing is.
It’s too early in the morning for “upchucking”. I’m having my coffee.!
I agree and love you, man. But it’s Antony–not Anthony. Here’s the background:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antony_Blinken
I clicked on your link. The first sentence called him a “diplomat”. Almost upchucked again.
I agree. Same when I read the word, “American.”
I am merely speculating here, but what if the Nazi’s have greater political power than Zelensky and his predecessor that signed the Minsk agreement, making it impossible for them to abide by it? Might Zelensky possibly leak information to Xi about how the Nazi leadership could be targeted by Russian forces? The war will go on until the Nazi’s are removed completely IMO.
A possibility. Nothing can be overlooked.
The Nazis are Neocon storm troops. Not just in ideology but in financial dependance. Nuland controls them not Zelinski is my guess with what’s left of her $5 billion NED bloody coup money.
A multipolar world is better than a bipolar world. I’m in.
The US does not want “impartial.” It wants someone to get it out of this mess, to salvage a win by diplomatic coup.
That won’t happen, but that is what our War Party is now aiming at.
I9t appears to me that China is helping to raise million out of poverty. Can the US say the same. I think not.China is building roads and economic bridges in Asia and Africa. Can the US build anything except Military bases in other lands 850 of them. I think not?China knows that peace is essential for prosperity and survival. Does the US agree? I think not. It is and always has been our way or the bus until death do us part.
“”White House said China’s position is not impartial””
wow the irony
Blinken conflating the US with “the world” again.
U.S. leaders did not have to condemn peace efforts but it did. Likely that played into China’s hands. It comes out looking even better on the world stage even though there never was a serious peace plan put forth.
If Wash. ever really wanted peace, they wouldn’t intervene in every war on earth that insures more and more profits for the war industry which come back to Wash. as campaign contributions. Lobbying is in fact legal bribery and that’s the reason for all the wars Wash. has been involved in since WWII.
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Clean, clear and concise Lily. Nicely stated.
https://babylonbee.com/news/democrats-fight-fascism-by-arresting-political-opponents
Democrats Vow To Arrest As Many Political Opponents As It Takes To Defeat Fascism