For those policymakers imagining that China will not defend Russia’s right to security, the following exchange from Tuesday’s Chinese Foreign Ministry press briefing is provided verbatim:
“Reuters: You said yesterday that one country’s security cannot be at the expense of others’ security; still less should one country flagrantly undermine others’ sovereignty and security for its own absolute military advantage and absolute security. We would like to clarify, do you mean Russia or some other country?
“Wang Wenbin: I can give you a clear explanation. As noted by State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, China advocates common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security. China believes that the security of one country should not come at the expense of the security of other countries, still less should regional security be guaranteed by strengthening or even expanding military blocs. The Cold War mentality should be discarded completely. The legitimate security concerns of all countries should be respected. Given NATO’s five consecutive rounds of eastward expansion, Russia’s legitimate security demands ought to be taken seriously and properly addressed.
“I hope I’ve made it clear enough,” he concluded.
