Deputy Minister W. Gerwel referred positively to Beijing’s recent dialogue with Kyiv, in particular the telephone conversation between the leaders of China and Ukraine and the current visit of the Chinese Special Envoy to Europe. He stressed that Russia's aggression against Ukraine poses a key challenge for regional and global stability and security. In this war, positions are not evenly distributed. Any attempts to equalize the status of Russia - the aggressor in this conflict, and Ukraine - the victim, are not acceptable.

- The end of the conflict and the restoration of peace must be based on the principles of international law, including the United Nations Charter. We support President Zelensky's peace plan as the basis for resolving the conflict. The withdrawal of Russian troops and the return of unlawfully seized territories by Russia are the only acceptable solution to achieve a just peace – said Deputy Minister Gerwel.

Poland notes with concern Beijing's declarations concerning its persistent will to strengthen its bilateral relations with Russia, the aggressor state. Deputy Minister Gerwel expressed the hope that China would never recognize the annexation of illegally seized Ukrainian territories by Russia, just as it has not recognized the annexation of Crimea from 2014. He underlined, that any military aid, including the potential supply of weapons from China to Russia, may result in a grave consequences for the bilateral relationship between Europe and China.

Ukraine's right to self-defense arises from Art. 51 of the United Nations Charter. Support for the victim of an armed attack is not only a right but an obligation of all members of the international community. In this context, Deputy Minister Gerwel recognized China's responsibility as a Permanent Member of the UN Security Council, and expressed the hope that China – a promoter of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence – will condemn Russia’s aggression, and exert pressure on Russia to return to compliance with the principles of international law.

Deputy Minister Gerwel condemned Russia's threats of use of nuclear weapons. This fact sets a dangerous precedent and may have a negative implications for the other parts of the world. Poland counts on concrete actions by China towards Russia – the aggressor state blackmailing the world with the use of these weapons. Deputy Minister underlined the need for the support of the International Atomic Energy Agency by the international community, including China; in particular the safe functioning of the nuclear power plant in Zaporizhzhia must be ensured.

Chinese diplomat emphasized that the situation in Ukraine is not in anyone's interest. In the opinion of the Chinese side, there is no easy solution to the war in Ukraine. Li Hui pointed to the need for a ceasefire and a return to peace talks. In this context, he underlined the 12-point " China’s Position on the Political Settlement of the Ukraine Crisis ". Ambassador Li declared opposition of China towards the use of nuclear weapons, underlining the importance that his country  attaches to nuclear security and security, and maintaining the mandate of international organizations.

 

Łukasz Jasina
MFA Spokesperson