Doha Forum 2022 took place in Doha, Qatar on March 26-27, focusing on the theme “Transforming for a New Era” with four core areas: “Geopolitical Alliances and International Relations,” “Financial System and Economic Development,” “Defense, Cyber and Food Security” and “Climate Change and Sustainability.” John Gong, a China Forum expert and professor of the Department of Economics at the University of International Business and Economics, gave a keynote speech at the forum.

China abstained from voting on the UN Security Council draft resolution on the Russia-Ukraine conflict and did not announce sanctions on Russia because it is a historically complex issue and should not be blamed on Russia alone, Professor Gong said as he explained China’s national security interests in this issue. He countered the US rhetoric about China providing “substantial support” to Russia, and called on other neutral countries to join China in adopting the approach of “principled neutrality” on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, with four specific recommendations: first, restrain assistance that could directly lead to military action in Ukraine; second, promote positive actions to mediate a truce and peaceful political settlement of the conflict; third, it is economically and morally sound to maintain normal trade relations with Russia and Ukraine; and finally, provide humanitarian assistance to Ukrainian refugees as guided by the UN humanitarian principles.

The international community should make a factual judgement on China’s role in this war from its actual actions to see if it is on the side of peace, humanitarianism and its own national interests, Professor Gong stressed.

Watch the conference here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YHTY74F0T_A