China Calls for Calm After Putin's Nuclear Decree Amid Rising Tensions

China has urged all parties to maintain "calm" and "restraint" following a decree by Russian President Vladimir Putin broadening the potential use of nuclear weapons. The call came as Ukraine deployed US-supplied long-range missiles against Russian territory for the first time.

Moscow expressed strong opposition to the shift in US policy, with President Joe Biden allowing Kyiv to use long-range missiles, intensifying the conflict. On Tuesday, Putin signed a decree permitting Russia to use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear states, such as Ukraine, if these nations receive support from nuclear powers.

A senior Russian official said that a missile strike on the Bryansk region earlier on Tuesday was carried out using US-provided Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS). This marked a significant escalation in the conflict.

Addressing the situation, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian called for dialogue and diplomacy. "Under the current circumstances, all parties should remain calm and exercise restraint, working together through dialogue and consultation to ease tensions and reduce strategic risks," Lin said.

China reiterated its consistent stance on the Ukraine crisis, emphasizing its support for de-escalation and a political resolution. Lin added, "China will continue to play a constructive role in this regard."

The White House, the UK, and the European Union condemned Putin's nuclear decree, labeling it "irresponsible."

French President Emmanuel Macron, speaking after the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro, disclosed that he had urged Chinese President Xi Jinping to leverage his influence on Putin to achieve de-escalation. "China has the capacity to negotiate with President Putin to halt his attacks on Ukraine," Macron said.

Although China claims to be neutral in the Ukraine conflict, it remains a close ally of Russia politically and economically. Western nations have criticized Beijing for indirectly supporting the war by refraining from condemnation and maintaining strong ties with Moscow.

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