China calls Russia its chief ‘strategic partner’ despite war

By KEN MORITSUGU
Associated Press
BEIJING (AP) — China is calling Russia its “most important strategic partner” as Beijing continues to refuse to condemn the invasion of Ukraine despite growing pressure from the U.S. and EU to use its influence to urge Moscow to pull back. Foreign Minister Wang Yi told reporters that Chinese ties with Moscow constitute “one of the most crucial bilateral relationships in the world.” He says the two countries will maintain their “strategic focus and promote the development of a comprehensive China-Russia partnership in the new era.” China has broken with the U.S., Europe and others that have imposed sanctions on Russia after its invasion of Ukraine. It says Washington is to blame for the conflict in Ukraine.