Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison talks about the situation in Ukraine at a news conference in Sydney
(Picture: AP)China must end its “chilling silence” on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has said.
As Russian forces continue their brutal invasion of the state, Mr Morrison criticised China’s silence on the attack of a sovereign state.
In a speech at the Lowy Institute think tank, Mr Morrison said: “I was listening for the voice of the Chinese government when it came to condemning the actions of Russia and there was a chilling silence."
China has refused to condemn Russia’s attack on Ukraine and had also called on the West to take into account Vladimir Putin’s concerns over Nato.
China also claimed sanctions do not aid conflicts and has refused to label the attack on Ukraine as an invasion.
Mr Morrison added: “China has long-claimed to have a role as one of the major powers in the world and to be a contributor to global peace and stability.
"No country will have a bigger impact on concluding this terrible war in Ukraine than China."
Despite Mr Morrison’s allegations, China’s foreign minister Wang Yi, said Beijing had been “objective and fair” in its comments regarding the invasion of Ukraine.
He also announced the country’s Red Cross will dispatch humanitarian aid to the state.
The foreign minister went on to claim the relationship with Russia remains “rock-solid” despite the international criticism for the state.
He added: “The friendship between the two peoples is rock-solid, and both sides' future cooperation prospects are very vast.
“No matter how sinister the international situation is, both China and Russia will maintain their strategic determination and continuously push forward the comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination in the new era.”
Although a vital trading partner, Australia’s relationship with China has soured over the last few years due to the state’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific region.
Australia has not only questioned the outbreak of Covid in China but also joined the Aukus security pact with the US and UK last year.
Under the alliance, the UK and US will share nuclear technology with Australia and help construct the state’s first nuclear-powered submarine.
Australia has also announced the construction of a new submarine base on the east coast in a bid to check China’s naval power in the region.
