What does China's position paper on Ukraine say?

China's proposals for an end to the war in Ukraine were eagerly awaited.

A position paper is now available.

What exactly is in there?

Beijing - China has called for a ceasefire in the war against Ukraine.

A much-anticipated position paper released on the anniversary of the Russian invasion calls for talks to resume soon.

"Dialogue and negotiations are the only viable solution to the Ukraine crisis." Diplomats and experts reacted with skepticism and disappointment, since the twelve-point document did not reveal any new initiative.

It was also stated that China is not neutral and has not yet condemned the Russian war of aggression.

The federal government complained that Beijing's paper was missing "important elements", such as a withdrawal of Russian troops.

The content of the paper published by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs:

- Ceasefire:

"All parties should support Russia and Ukraine to work in the same direction and ultimately achieve a comprehensive ceasefire," it said.

- Restraint:

"All parties must remain rational, exercise restraint and avoid fanning the flames, and prevent the crisis from worsening or even spiraling out of control." This is the argument China commonly uses to oppose Western arms sales to Ukraine .

- Sanctity:

At the beginning of the paper, China demands that the principles of the United Nations must be strictly observed.

"The sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of all countries must be effectively maintained." The fact that Russia would have to withdraw or what should happen to Russian-occupied territories was not discussed.

- Security:

The document affirms that the "legitimate security interests of all countries must be taken seriously".

Diplomats see behind this an indication of Russia's argument that it has to defend itself against the USA and NATO.

The “Cold War mentality” must be ended, China continues to argue in a similar way.

A country's security should not come at the expense of others.

"Block confrontation" must be avoided - an accusation that China usually raises against the United States.

Without naming NATO, the paper argues that regional security should not be achieved by strengthening or expanding military blocs.

- Nuclear danger:

"Nuclear weapons must not be used, and nuclear wars must not be fought." The threat to use nuclear weapons should also be rejected - a formulation that could indirectly be directed against Moscow.

- Sanctions:

China is firmly demanding an end to sanctions against Russia "which only create new problems".

“China rejects unilateral sanctions that are not authorized by the UN Security Council.” Russia and China have veto powers in the highest UN body, so they can prevent any sanctions.

dpa