Ukraine’s history as a former Soviet Union territory has “complicated” the relationship between the nation and Russia, China’s ambassador to Australia says.
In an address to the National Press Club in Canberra on Wednesday, ambassador Xiao Qian said Russia’s war on Ukraine was not a simple matter when asked why Beijing had failed to condemn the invasion.
“These two countries used to be the part of the former Soviet Union, so the relationship between these two countries is rather complicated,” he said.
“We are for a bilateral discussion at the table to find out a political solution between these two countries.”
Mr Xiao blamed the conflict in eastern Europe as a dispute between Russia and NATO, saying the security bloc had surrounded Moscow by expanding its alliance.
“There is security concern from Russia and a feeling of being cornered again and again, at least six or seven times by the expansion of NATO, which is a break away from their promise not to do that,” he said.
“We’re for a negotiation between NATO members, United States and Russia, to sit down and negotiate for a comprehensive, sustainable security mechanism.”
The ambassador said Beijing was on friendly terms with both Ukraine and Russia, and therefore would retain good relations with both nations.
“We have good relations with Russia for sure, but at the same time, we have very good relations with Ukraine as well – very in-depth cooperation in many areas, including technology,” Mr Xiao said.
“There’s no reason for us to support one against the other or other way around.”
The speech comes amid a crisis in the Taiwan Strait.
Beijing has fired 11 ballistic missiles towards Taiwan and carried out simulated attacks following US Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to the island last week.
It has warned other countries to respect the one-China principle.
