China renews criticism of Western arms sales to Ukraine
China’s Deputy Permanent U.N. Representative Geng Shuang again criticized Western arms sales to Ukraine, saying it would only lead to escalation, more civilian casualties and displacement, and make it harder to obtain a ceasefire and start peace negotiations.
China says it does not and will not provide arms to either side in the Ukraine conflict, a point Geng reiterated at a Security Council meeting Thursday, according to AP.
“The constant feeding of weapons to the battlefield will ... also pose serious challenges to post-war reconstruction and, if such weapons are diverted to terrorists or armed groups, likely cause new turmoil in a wider geographic area,” Geng was cited as saying on the U.N.’s website. “All parties should promote a political settlement with sincerity and urgency and create conditions conducive to a ceasefire,” Geng added.
China says it is a neutral party and wants to help broker an end to the 15-month-old conflict.
Beijing released a peace plan in February but Ukraine’s allies largely dismissed it, insisting that Russian President Vladimir Putin must withdraw his forces.
The West has supplied Ukraine with billions of euros in military aid, including long-range missiles, artillery, tanks and drones, since the war began in February.
The United States is by far the largest contributor of military aid to Kyiv, followed by the UK and the EU.