China Urges Peace As Russia Unleashes Hypersonic Missiles In Ukraine Conflict

Sky surface-to-air missile rocket tilting upwards.

China urges restraint following Russia’s hypersonic missile strike amid rising tensions in Ukraine.

At a Glance

Russia claims missile tests disrupt Ukraine’s military objectives for 2025.
China calls for calm, stressing dialogue and consultation in Ukraine crisis.
NATO members express concern over Beijing’s neutral stance amid the conflict.
Russian President Putin hints at possible strikes on Western nations.

Russia’s Hypersonic Missile Strike

Russia asserts that their experimental hypersonic missile, dubbed “Oreshnik,” disrupted Ukraine’s 2025 military objectives. President Vladimir Putin announced the missile strike on a Ukrainian aerospace manufacturing plant. The strike, described by Ukraine as a significant escalation of the conflict, drew widespread condemnation from Kyiv’s allies.

Ukraine has condemned the assault, urging the international community for a strong response. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized the need for immediate support from Western nations. Meanwhile, Russian advances in eastern Ukraine have continued, with forces capturing several towns.

China’s Call for Restraint

China has reiterated its plea for all parties involved to exercise restraint. Lin Jian from China’s foreign ministry highlighted the need for dialogue and consultation. “China’s position on the Ukraine issue is consistent and clear, advocating for resolving the crisis through political means and avoiding an escalation of the situation,” Lin Jian stated.

Despite its neutrality, China’s close political and economic ties with Russia have raised eyebrows among NATO member countries. They have criticized Beijing’s reluctance to denounce the conflict, viewing it as enabling Russia. French President Emmanuel Macron urged China to leverage its influence to de-escalate tensions.

China's position on the #Ukraine issue is consistent and clear, and China advocates for resolving the crisis through political means and avoiding escalation of the situation. In the current situation, all parties should remain calm and restrained, work to de-escalate tensions… pic.twitter.com/UrPkOHP81M

— Global Times (@globaltimesnews) November 22, 2024

Western Response and Strategic Risks

NATO member states plan to convene in Brussels to address the missile strike. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz criticized the deployment as a “terrible escalation.” Simultaneously, the United States expressed concern about Russia’s actions, attributing the heightened conflict to Moscow. Russia carried out an assault on Ukraine’s Sumy region using cluster munitions, resulting in civilian casualties.

Lin Jian emphasized China’s commitment to a political resolution, calling for an early ceasefire. “Under the current circumstances, all parties should remain calm and exercise restraint, working together to ease tensions and reduce strategic risks,” Lin Jian advised.

Meanwhile, NATO members continue to express concern over Beijing’s perceived neutrality and its implications in the Ukraine crisis.