Chinese news outlets distributed guidelines on how to cover Ukraine on social media, including a mention of China’s need for Russian support with Taiwan.
One site appeared to inadvertently provide instructions on what should and should not be published, while another outlet’s editor stepped in with advice on language and techniques that he considered were vital in treading a delicate line.
Ming Jinwei, a senior editor at Xinhua News Agency, wrote on his WeChat blog about how his organization needed to tread carefully when covering Ukraine, noting that China must provide emotional and moral support to Russia while avoiding stepping on the toes of the United States and the European Union.
“In the future, when battling with America to resolve the Taiwan issue once and for all,” he wrote, “China will also require Russia’s understanding and assistance.” It doesn’t hurt to use rhetoric that is relatively pro-Russia, according to Ming.
The day before Russia recognized the breakaway Ukrainian regions, Moscow and Beijing agreed on a new arrangement in which Russia would export 100 million tons of coal to its southern neighbor, potentially reducing the impact of any Western sanctions.
Following reports of Russian forces entering two breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine, President Biden announced further sanctions against Russia on Tuesday, describing what he described as the start of a Russian invasion of Ukraine.
In the event that Vladimir Putin authorizes military action in Ukraine, Robert L. Wilkie, former undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness during the Trump administration and visiting fellow at the Heritage Foundation, believes China will play a role in mitigating any US sanctions imposed on Russia.
