Russia’s use of a hypersonic missile in Ukraine prompts China to call for restraint, highlighting the conflict’s escalating nature and potential global implications.
Russia’s Hypersonic Missile Strike Escalates Conflict
In a significant escalation of the Ukraine war, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a strike on a Ukrainian military facility using a new hypersonic ballistic missile called “Oreshnik.” This move has heightened tensions and drawn international condemnation, with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz describing it as a “terrible escalation.” The attack targeted an aerospace manufacturing plant in Dnipro, Ukraine, prompting urgent discussions among NATO members and Ukraine.
#BREAKING: #China urges ‘restraint’ in #Ukraine war after Russian hypersonic missile strike https://t.co/A3wxS2G09J pic.twitter.com/MNdsmtgiF4
— Arab News (@arabnews) November 22, 2024
Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov claimed that this strike has significantly impacted Ukraine’s military capabilities. According to Belousov, “We have derailed the entire 2025 campaign.” This statement suggests that Russia believes it has dealt a severe blow to Ukraine’s long-term military objectives.
China's position on the #Ukraine issue is consistent and clear, and China advocates for resolving the crisis through political means and avoiding escalation of the situation. In the current situation, all parties should remain calm and restrained, work to de-escalate tensions… pic.twitter.com/UrPkOHP81M
— Global Times (@globaltimesnews) November 22, 2024
China Calls for Restraint and Dialogue
In response to the escalating situation, China has urged all parties involved to exercise restraint and seek diplomatic solutions. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated, “All parties should remain calm and exercise restraint, work to de-escalate the situation through dialogue and consultation, and create conditions for an early ceasefire.”
“China’s position on the Ukraine issue is consistent and clear, and China advocates for resolving the crisis through political means and avoiding escalation of the situation,” said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian.
While China maintains its stance as a neutral party in the conflict, it faces criticism from NATO members who view Beijing as a “decisive enabler” of the war due to its close ties with Russia. China has not provided lethal assistance to Russia but has also refrained from openly condemning the conflict, leading to suspicion among Western countries.
International Reactions and Concerns
The use of hypersonic missiles has raised alarms across the international community. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called for a strong international response to Russia’s actions. Meanwhile, the United States has blamed Moscow for escalating the conflict, and the White House, UK, and EU have condemned Putin’s recent nuclear decree as “irresponsible.”
“China’s stance of encouraging all parties to de-escalate the situation and commit to a political resolution of the Ukraine crisis remains unchanged,” stated Lin Jian.
French President Emmanuel Macron has urged Chinese President Xi Jinping to use his influence with Putin to de-escalate the situation. This diplomatic effort underscores the international community’s recognition of China’s potential role in mitigating the crisis.
Implications and Future Outlook
The conflict in Ukraine continues to evolve, with Russian forces reportedly advancing in eastern Ukraine and capturing small towns and villages. Putin’s warnings of potential strikes on Western countries and his description of the conflict as having a “global” nature have heightened concerns about further escalation.
As tensions rise, the international community remains focused on diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation. China’s calls for restraint and dialogue represent a crucial voice in the ongoing discussions, even as questions persist about its true stance in the conflict. The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether diplomatic efforts can succeed in de-escalating the situation and moving toward a peaceful resolution.
Sources:
https://www.yahoo.com/news/russia-says-derailed-kyivs-war-095340911.html
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202411/1323595.shtml
