“All parties need to shoulder their responsibility for ensuring the safety of nuclear facilities and to cool down the situation,” Li said.Ĭopyright 2023 The Associated Press. Li also called for steps to protect the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, adding to appeals by the International Atomic Energy Agency this week for both sides to commit to preventing any attack on the facility to avoid a “catastrophic incident.”įighting on seven occasions has disrupted power supplies. “It is a move to sow discord between China and Ukraine,” Li said. He rejected that as “not in line with the facts” and suggested whoever spread that story might want to sabotage peace efforts. Li criticized a report by The Wall Street Journal, citing unidentified officials, that he had proposed a cease-fire that would leave Russia in control of Ukrainian territory. “Compared with some countries’ actions, clinging to Cold War mentality, ganging up with other countries, creating small circles for bloc confrontation and carrying out hegemonic bullying actions, these are completely different practices,” he said. Li defended Beijing’s “strategic partnership of coordination” with Russia as more beneficial to the world than other governments he didn’t name. “Who is the real troublemaker in the world and the real security threat in the world? The global community has a keen understanding of that,” Li said. Li referred several times to outsiders “adding fuel to the fire” and making comments that “exacerbate the situation.” He didn’t name any party but used language Chinese officials invoke when criticizing U.S. Li, who also visited Poland, France, Germany and the European Union headquarters, said Beijing was ready to send a second delegation to discuss a possible “political settlement” but gave no indication what China’s next move might be. “China advocates for a balanced and just way to address security concerns,” Li said. Putin's forces occupy the Crimean Peninsula and parts of eastern Ukraine with mainly Russian-speaking populations. Li repeated Beijing’s call for respect for the “territorial integrity of all countries” but gave no indication China was pressing Moscow to give back captured territory. China is buying more Russian oil and gas, which helps to shore up the Kremlin's export revenue after the United States, Europe and Japan cut off most purchases, but it appears to be avoiding anything that might trigger Western sanctions. The stakes are top as a result of Russia is Europe’s number one supply of herbal gasoline and provider. Power markets have been on edge Monday, looking ahead to Russia to invade Ukraine or to back down its threatening posture. President Joe Biden earlier warned Xi of unspecified consequences if Beijing provided arms or military supplies to support Russia’s invasion. Oil Markets on Edge as Russia-Ukraine Tensions Drag On -Information.

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