China defends Russia's interests, avoids calling its military action an 'invasion'

China reportedly expressed support for Russia’s interests in Ukraine and blamed the U.S. for fueling tensions with its ally, according to a transcript shared by Chinese state media.

According to the report, China Foreign Minister Wang Yi told Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov that it respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations, but added that Beijing could see “complicated and specific” historical questions at play in Ukraine.  

Lavrov told Wang that Russia had been forced to “take necessary measures” in response to NATO’s proposed eastward expansion.

“China understands Russia’s legitimate concerns on security issues,” Wang responded, according to the transcript.

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s declaration of a “special military operation” in neighboring Ukraine have put China in a difficult position between a longtime ally and its economic interests in the U.S. and Europe. Its support of Moscow’s incursion also undermines Beijing’s professed belief in sovereignty and territorial integrity that is had used to justify its own behavior toward Tibet, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.

This position was reflected by comments from China’s foreign ministry Thursday, who called for talks but stopped short of condemning Putin’s attack.

“We still hope that the parties concerned will not shut the door to peace and engage instead in dialogue and consultation and prevent the situation from further escalating,” said foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying.

China’s Embassy in Ukraine told its citizens to stay home, away from glass windows, and to place a Chinese flag on their car if required to travel.

The Associated Press reported that China approved Russian wheat imports, which may relieve some economic pressure from incoming sanctions by Western countries. The plan was originally announced Feb. 8 after Putin attended the opening ceremony of the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics.