Berliner Tageblatt - China 'deeply concerned' over Ukraine conflict, vows to 'promote dialogue'

Beijing will "work with the international community to promote dialogue and consultation, address the concerns of all parties and seek common security", Qin Gang said in a speech on global security in the Chinese capital.

China has said it will publish a proposal this week aimed at finding a "political solution" to the Ukraine crisis, as the first anniversary of Russia's invasion of its neighbour looms on February 24.

Qin said Tuesday that Beijing would "continue to promote peace talks" and "offer Chinese wisdom for the political settlement of the Ukrainian crisis, and work with the international community to promote dialogue and consultation, address the concerns of all parties and seek common security".

"At the same time, we urge the countries concerned to stop adding fuel to the fire as soon as possible, to stop shifting the blame to China," Qin said, following US claims that Beijing may be considering sending arms to Moscow -- allegations China has denied.

And regarding the self-ruled island of Taiwan, which China claims as part of its territory and has vowed to seize one day, Qin urged countries to "stop making an uproar by shouting 'Today Ukraine, tomorrow Taiwan'".

"The pressures and attempts to contain China, coming from the outside, are getting stronger and stronger, they are getting worse and worse, posing a serious threat to China's sovereignty and security," Qin said.

"We firmly oppose all forms of hegemonism and power politics, firmly oppose Cold War mentality and camp confrontation, and firmly oppose any external interference in China's internal affairs."

Top diplomat Wang Yi told the Munich Security Conference on Saturday that with regard to the Ukraine conflict, Beijing was against attacks on nuclear power plants, opposed the use of biochemical weapons and was willing to work with "all parties".

He also clashed with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken over Washington's shooting down of a Chinese balloon in its airspace -- a response Wang described as "hysterical and absurd".

Wang is due in Moscow for talks on his final stop of a European tour that has seen him also visit France, Italy, Hungary and Germany.

F.Müller--BTB