China calls for probe into Bucha killings, but assigns no blame

BEIJING : China on Wednesday said images of civilian deaths in the Ukrainian town of Bucha are “deeply disturbing” but that no blame should be apportioned until all facts are known. Emerging evidence of what appeared to be widespread civilian massacres in the wake of Russian withdrawals from the Kyiv areas may complicate Beijing’s attempts to guide public opinion over the conflict, in which China has refused to criticise Moscow.
China supports all initiatives and measures “conducive to alleviating the humanitarian crisis” in the country, and is “ready to continue to work together with the international community to prevent any harm to civilians”, foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said.“The truth and the cause of the incident must be verified,” Zhao said. “All parties should exercise restraint and avoid unfounded accusations before a conclusion of the investigation is drawn. ”
Zhao’s remarks echo those of China’s ambassador to the UN, Zhang Jun, who earlier called for a probe, also describing the reports and images of civilian deaths in Bucha as “deeply disturbing”. “The relevant circumstances and specific causes of the incident should be verified and established,” Zhang said in remarks to the UNSC on Tuesday.
China could face sanctions if it supports Russia
US Sanctions imposed on Russia should give China a “good understanding” of the consequences it could face if it provides material support to Moscow, US deputy secretary of state Wendy Sherman said. Sherman said the “range of sanctions” and export controls coordinated among US allies and partners against President Putin and the country’s economy should serve as an example for Xi Jinping.