Kevin Yao

BOAO (China) – China’s President Xi Jinping reiterated China’s opposition to unilateral sanctions, “long-arm jurisdiction”, in a speech delivered on Thursday. He did not mention the West’s punitive measures against Russia, for it’s invasion of Ukraine.

China has made repeated criticisms of western sanctions including against Russia. But it has not provided any aid to Moscow which could result in Beijing facing sanctions.

Xi gave a video speech at the Boao Forum in Asia’s annual meeting on Hainan (a southern Chinese island), warning that pressure tactics like cutting supply chains and economic “decoupling” will not succeed.

Xi stated that China would be interested in a “global security initiative” which upholds the “principle of indivisibility security.”

We should stand firm for the indivisibility principle, create a sustainable, balanced and effective security infrastructure, and resist the construction of national security on account of insecurity in others countries.

Russia demanded that Western governments adhere to a 1999 accord based upon the principle of “indivisible Security” which stipulates that each country cannot increase its own security at any cost.

China and Russia have become closer, with China refusing to condemn Russia’s invasion in Ukraine. Moscow considers it a “special operation”. China blames NATO’s expansion to the east for the Ukraine crisis.

Xi stated that global supply chain stability is needed, but also claimed that China’s economy was resilient and its long-term trend has not changed.

China’s economic outlook is deteriorating due to its aggressive attempts to stop the spread COVID-19 in China, particularly Shanghai. Xi failed to mention China’s COVID problem during his speech.