China has called for "calm" and "restraint" after Russian President Vladimir Putin signed an updated version of Russia's nuclear doctrine that expands the ability to launch a nuclear strike. This was reported by France Press, quoted by BTA.
„Under the current circumstances, all parties should remain calm, exercise restraint and work together for dialogue and consultations to reduce tensions,” said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jiang.
„The position of China, which consistently calls for de-escalation and a political solution to the Ukrainian crisis, remains unchanged,“ emphasized the speaker.
Context of tension
On the thousandth day of the war in Ukraine, Vladimir Putin approved the new version of Russia's nuclear doctrine. The move comes at a time when, according to multiple US and Western media outlets, the US has authorized Kiev to use US long-range missiles for attacks deep into Russian territory.
In September, Putin said that any attack by a non-nuclear country but backed by a nuclear power could be considered "joint aggression", requiring a possible response with nuclear weapons.
Reactions from the West
The decision to review Russia's nuclear doctrine was condemned by Western powers.
French President Emmanuel Macron called Russia's actions “escalating“ and called on Putin to “listen to reason”. He appealed to Chinese President Xi Jinping to use his influence on Moscow. “I have called on President Xi Jinping to use all his influence, pressure and diplomatic power to persuade Putin to stop the attacks,” Macron said.
China's Position
China continues to call for peaceful negotiations and respect for the territorial integrity of all countries, including Ukraine. However, Beijing has not condemned the large-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine that began in February 2022. On the contrary, economic, diplomatic and military ties between China and Russia have strengthened since the beginning of the conflict.