 "Wang Yi. File Image- Reuters")
As world leaders gathered in the German city of Munich on Friday (February 14) to shape the future of global geopolitics, Beijing threw its weight behind US President Donald Trump’s peace plan for Ukraine.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said his nation would “love” to see efforts conducive to peace.
“China would love to see all efforts conducive to peace … The United States reached a common understanding with Russia and we believe that all parties and all stakeholders should, at an appropriate time, participate in the peace talks process,” said China’s top diplomat.
‘China benefiting from Trump’s world policy’
The Chinese foreign minister added that Beijing was a ‘beneficiary’ of Trump’s steps to withdraw from international organisations.
“There is a country that is withdrawing from international treaties and organisations and I think in Europe, you can feel chills almost every day. As for China, it is growing in the existing order – China is a beneficiary,” said Wang.
Notably, at the start of his second term, Donald Trump wasted no time in withdrawing US from the World Health Organisation (WHO). Days later, on February 4, he announced the US would also withdraw from the United Nations Human Rights Council, accusing it of adopting biased policies against Israel.
Wang Yi on Trump’s China policy
The Chinese foreign minister said he was “confident” about ties with Washington DC under Trump but warned against the policy of “suppress and containing” China.
The minister suggested that if the US tried to “suppress and contain” China, “we have no choice but play along to the end”.
Europe alarmed
Speaking at the conference, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen raised concerns over the prospect of European powers getting caught between the two superpowers.
“We should not underestimate the disruptive potential of intense competition or even a bipolar conflict between China and the United States. This may be uncomfortable to hear. But this is a time for plain speaking,” she said.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsUS-China meeting on cards
According to a report by South China Morning Post, there were speculations about a possible meeting between the American and the Chinese side.
There are reports that Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who will arrive in Munich later this week, may meet with Wang Yi.
(With inputs from agencies)