BEIJING/TAIPEI – China’s government slammed Taiwan for its humanitarian assistance for Ukraine, and blamed Russia for “taking advantage” of Russia’s sanctions. The criticism came after Taiwan said it would be sending more aid money to refugees.

Taiwan has shown sympathy for the war in Ukraine. Many see parallels between Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and China’s military threat to the island. China views it as part of its territory.

Taiwan joined the West-led sanctions against Russia.

Zhu Fenglian (China’s Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson) was asked about Taiwan’s assistance and sanctions during a Beijing press conference. He said that Taiwan wanted to grab the topic for its own ends.

She said that the Ukrainian issue was being used by Democratic Progressive Party officials to confirm their existence.

“Their efforts to create tension and incite hostility by political manipulation will not work.”

Taiwanese government claims that it is obliged to support other democratic democracies in Ukraine.

After a $3.5 million initial donation, Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry made a $11.5 million second donation. President TsaiIng-wen donated one month’s salary.

The ministry quoted Foreign Minister Joseph Wu, who said at an event in Taipei attended by several top Western diplomats including the ambassador de facto to the European Union, “During this conflict the Taiwanese have shown boundless compassion.”

China refused to condemn Russia’s invasion and said that the Chinese Red Cross would offer humanitarian assistance to Ukraine in an amount equal to 5 million yuan (786,000 USD). It was the Red Cross’ first aid publicly given to Ukraine since wartime.

($1 = 6.3610 )