Russian President Vladimir Putin’s of announcement partial mobilization of reservists has triggered various reactions. It stirred rare and massive protests in the country leading to almost 1,200 arrests. The move also increased traffic on the eastern Finnish border with Russia over night on Wednesday and remained throughout Thursday morning. It also triggered a reaction from China that urged the two sides to engage in a ceasefire through dialogue and consultation.
Raged Russians stage protest, flee country
The West considered it a weak move by Putin and also a potential escalation of war. Russians found themselves in a state of panic and rushed to buy plane tickets to flee the country. However, the move also raged many Russians, who undeterred with the land’s strict laws, staged protests across the country while raising anti-war slogans. The initial 15 minutes saw arrests of dozens of protestors.
Finnish border guard’s head of international affairs Matti Pitkaniitty said in a tweet that regardless of busier than normal traffic situation was under control. A lot many videos were shared on social media. However, they showed enormous lines of cars piling up over 35 kilometres.
China suggests “dialogue and consultation”
As Putin’s announcement of mobilization showed vehemence, China called for “resolving differences through dialogue”.
China’s foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin during a press briefing said, “We call on the relevant parties to realize a ceasefire through dialogue and consultation, and find a solution that accommodates the legitimate security concerns of all parties as soon as possible.”
The Chinese foreign minister added, “China calls on relevant parties to properly resolve their differences through dialogue and consultation, and is willing to work with the international community to continue to play a constructive role in de-escalating the situation.”
The two countries share a very close relationship which they call a “no-limits” relationship. The relationship weighs against the global dominance of the United States. Last Week, Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping held a meeting in Uzbekistan on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit.
