The China-Russia alliance is being tested by the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is talking to Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba in the latest indication of Beijing’s desire to diplomatically end the war. And there is mounting evidence of strains in the relationship with Russia. 

The two countries share a border. Under the Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation signed in 2001 China-Russia formed close relations militarily, and economically. And Russian President Putin has often touted the China-Russia “special relationship.” 

After last week's Russian invasion of Ukraine, China initially refused to denounce Russian actions. And has publicly blamed the US. But China’s United Nations ambassador abstained from, rather than opposing, a Security Council resolution condemning the attack. 

China is still refusing to impose any sanctions on Russia.

It has been reported that Chinese Leader Xi is urging Putin to pursue negotiations and limit civilian attacks. The escalating war on the citizens of Ukraine is outraging the world. And increasing worldwide sanctions are making it difficult for China to do business.

Chinese civilians in Ukraine

China has deep economic ties to both Ukraine and Russia. At the time of the Russian incursion to Ukraine, there were over 6,000 Chinese nationals in Ukraine. Approximately 2,500 of them have left Ukraine.

Many of the Chinese in Ukraine are university students. Kharkiv is Ukraine’s second-largest city and is the home to 20 universities. On Tuesday a missile struck the city in Freedom Square. And the large explosion killed or injured at least 20 people, including one child.

 In a statement posted on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website, Wang Yi expressed concern for their citizens. 

“As the war continues to expand, the top priority is to ease the situation to prevent the conflict from escalating or even getting out of control, especially to prevent harm to civilians, and to ensure the safe and timely access of humanitarian aid,” the Chinese foreign minister said. 

China-Russia peace talks with Ukraine? 

In the statement, Wang Yi said that China “deplores the outbreak of conflict between Ukraine and Russia.” 

Wang is the first Chinese official to acknowledge the conflict is a “war,” rather than the “special military operation” Russia has described. 

Ukraine’s Kuleba said Ukraine was willing to strengthen its communications with China. And it hopes for China's “mediation for the realization of the ceasefire,” according to the statement. 

Miles of Russian convoys of Russian military vehicles sit on the road to the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv. And bombs are increasing on civilian targets in major cities.  

China is showing signs of concern. Global sanctions are a problem. But the world sees a humanitarian crisis that China wants to avoid, if at all possible. 

Wang Yi said China always upholds respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries. And just short of offering China as a peacemaker he asks Ukraine and Russia to “find a solution to the issue through negotiations.”