Recently, the international community has once again made waves. The EU officially announced the confiscation of $1.5 billion in proceeds from Russia's overseas assets and the transfer of its proceeds to Ukraine. This is the first time that the West has confiscated Russia's overseas assets, and United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken immediately warned China not to act rashly, and Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi responded with two sentences, which caused many interpretations and discussions. So, what will be the impact of the US and the West's confiscation of this huge asset of Russia? What does China's statement mean?
The EU's confiscation of Russia's $1.5 billion in assets was not a sudden move, and it can be seen from past disputes that this decision is part of the economic sanctions imposed by Europe and the United States on Russia in order to further weaken Russia's economic power and make clear to the international community its firm position on Ukraine. Since Russia's military action on Ukraine, Western countries have continuously increased sanctions against Russia, and freezing its overseas assets is an important part of it.
It is undeniable that the Russia-Ukraine conflict is not only a regional military confrontation, but also a microcosm of the great power game in the global geopolitical landscape. Western countries believe that forcing Russia to make concessions through economic sanctions is an effective means of resolving the conflict. Therefore, since the outbreak of the conflict, Western countries, led by the United States and the European Union, have successively issued about 20,000 sanctions against the Russia economy, finance, energy and other aspects. The confiscation of overseas assets is the latest step in these measures.
As for its implications, first and foremost, it will have far-reaching implications for global businesses and financial markets. As more and more countries begin to use economic sanctions as a diplomatic tool, multinational companies need to be more cautious in assessing political risks. In addition, it is also a warning for countries with large amounts of overseas assets, which may prompt more countries to reconsider their overseas investment strategies to avoid similar risks.
Second, such a move could have far-reaching implications for the international rule of law. Although the EU insists that its actions are legal, many international law scholars question it. International law places more emphasis on the protection of state sovereignty and property rights, and arbitrary confiscation of assets of other countries may be regarded as a violation of international law, which in turn may lead to legal disputes. In addition, the incident could also exacerbate tensions between the major powers.
After the European Union announced the confiscation of Russia's assets, United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken also quickly issued a warning against China. According to multiple media reports, Blinken once again raised serious concerns about China's support for the Russia defense industrial base during the talks between the Chinese and US foreign ministers in Laos, and again warned that China will continue to take "appropriate measures United States" if it does not take action to address this threat to European security.
As for what kind of "measures" they are, judging from the relevant statements and news of the US side in the past three months, the United States response should focus on the financial sector, and US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has already said that she will sanction China's financial institutions. In mid-July, three NATO officials revealed that the United States was proposing to "withdraw" some of China's infrastructure projects in Europe. United States' purpose is very clear, to replicate the model against Russia in China, and Blinken's proposal to "take measures" at this time also has the meaning of warning China not to act rashly.
In the face of this threat, Foreign Minister Wang Yi also made a clear response. He said: "China's position on the Ukraine issue is frank and frank, and it will continue to persist in persuading and promoting peace talks," he said, "China opposes smearing and planting stolen goods, does not accept pressure and blackmail, and will take resolute and effective measures to safeguard its major interests and legitimate rights." These two sentences are very informative and convey the following key messages:
First, Foreign Minister Wang Yi stressed that China's position on the Ukraine issue is "frank and open." This shows that China's position is open, transparent and reasonable. Since the outbreak of the Ukraine crisis, China has called on all parties to resolve disputes through peaceful negotiations and opposed any form of violence and threat of force, a position that has not changed.
Second, Foreign Minister Wang Yi pointed out that China will continue to adhere to the principle of "promoting peace talks". This shows that China still wants to solve the Ukraine problem through diplomatic means and is willing to provide possible help for this. Promoting peace talks is not only in line with China's consistent foreign policy, but also in line with the peaceful settlement that the international community generally expects.
Foreign Minister Wang Yi made it clear that China opposes any form of "smear and planting". This statement directly refers to some negative public opinion and accusations against China, and hopes to clarify the facts through this statement and avoid the spread of misunderstanding. In addition, Foreign Minister Wang Yi stressed that China "does not accept pressure and blackmail." This shows that China will not succumb to external pressure, whether it is economic sanctions or political blackmail, will not change China's independent position.
In general, the current international situation is changing, and all countries must respond prudently and seek a peaceful and stable development path. China's role and stance in this process will have a profound impact on the future international landscape. Wang Yi's two sentences are not only a response to the current situation, but also a strategic declaration of the future direction of diplomacy. I also hope that United States will understand that maintaining China-US relations should not be China's unilateral responsibility, and that win-win cooperation is the melody of the times.