China: Xi reiterates opposition to use of economic sanctions

Chinese President Xi Jinping reiterated China’s opposition to unilateral sanctions and “long-hand jurisdiction” in a speech today, without directly referring to punitive measures against Russia for its invasion of Ukraine.

China has repeatedly criticized Western sanctions, including against Russia, but has also been careful not to offer aid to Moscow that could lead to sanctions against Beijing.

Speaking via video conference at the annual Boao Forum on Asia on the Chinese island of Hainan, Xi warned that economic “disconnection” and pressure tactics, such as supply chain disruptions, would not work.

“China would like to launch a global security initiative that underpins” the principle of the indivisibility of security, “Xi said.

“We must maintain the principle of the indivisibility of security, build a balanced, effective and sustainable security architecture, and oppose building national security based on insecurity in other countries.”

Russia has insisted that Western governments must respect the 1999 agreement based on the principle of “indivisible security” that no country can strengthen its own security at the expense of others.

China and Russia are developing closer ties, and China has refused to condemn the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which Moscow calls a “special operation.” China attributes the Ukrainian crisis to NATO’s eastward expansion.

Xi said efforts were needed to stabilize global supply chains, but also said China’s economy was resilient and its long-term trend had not changed.

The Chinese economy is facing adversity from the impact of its aggressive effort to bring the spread of COVID-19 under control, especially in its financial center, Shanghai. In his speech today, Xi did not mention the Covid crisis facing China.