China, having abstained from voting against Russia in the UN [4], has been relatively quiet during this crisis... until now... As ITAR-TASS reports [5], spokesperson for China's Ministry of Commerce Shen Danyang said that while "the situation in Ukraine remains tense," and they are watching developments, "we are ready for cooperation with Crimea after the situation there gets back to normal.” This appears to implicitly recognize Crimea as its own region - as opposed to part of Ukraine - even after this morning's "very strict anti-secessio One China policy" comments.
Via ITAR-TASS, [5]
China will develop cooperation with Crimea after the situation in the republic stabilizes, spokesperson for China's Ministry of Commerce Shen Danyang told a news conference on Tuesday.
Commenting on the results of Crimea’s referendum and the future of China’s investment projects, the spokesman said: “The situation in Ukraine remains tense. We are closely following the latest developments.”
“Trade cooperation between China and Ukraine continues to develop as usual,” he said. “However, devaluation of Ukraine’s currency will have a certain impact on Ukrainian-Chinese trade relations.”
Shen stressed that the current situation was “temporary”.
“China will continue developing mutually-beneficial cooperation,” he said. “We hope that the situation in Ukraine will stabilize very soon. As for Crimea, we are ready for cooperation after the situation there gets back to normal.”
Is China stirring? By specifiying trade deals with Ukraine and Crimea separately?
This follows earlier comments that appeared to be anti-Russia to some extent:
"China always respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states. The Crimean crisis should be resolved politically under the frameworks of law and order. We call on all sides to remain calm and exercise restraint to avoid further escalation of the tension," said Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Hong Lei.
"China has a very strict anti-secession One-China policy."