No matter how big the stick, bullying doesn't fix problems: China Daily editorial

China's position on sanctions is clear. It is unwavering in its opposition to them. It believes that such long-arm jurisdiction is never an effective means to solve problems and sanctions only exacerbate crises at the expense of people's livelihoods.

This can be seen from the widespread effects the sanctions imposed on Russia by the United States and its allies are having. Not only are they disrupting key global supply chains, but they are also fanning the flames of the conflict in Ukraine.

Since the conflict broke out in Ukraine, the United States and its European allies have been trying to exert maximum pressure on Russia by means of economic sanctions, in total disregard of the fact that sanctions have never worked in defusing a regional or international crisis.

As China has stood its own ground on the Ukraine crisis and refused to follow the West's lead, some US politicians have pointed an accusing finger at China and even threatened sanctions against it. White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said that China would face significant consequences if it aids Russia.

The US should know China is not a party to the Ukraine crisis so it is both unfair and unjust if it is put in harm's way by the sanctions being implemented against Russia. If the US attempts to use coercion to force China to do its bidding, China will take strong countermeasures.

Washington has developed something of an addiction to sanctions. According to statistics from the US Treasury Department, the previous administration has imposed some 3,800 unilateral sanctions on governments, individuals, organizations and market entities worldwide.

The proclivity for sanctions is born of Washington's zero-sum view of international relations and its propensity for bullying and coercion, which it regards as doing things "from a position of strength".

As a responsible country, China has made an independent and objective assessment of the situation in Ukraine, and it is doing what it can to promote talks between Ukraine and Russia, and is in close communication with various parties trying to help promote a consensus on the way to end the fighting.

If the US really cares about the Ukrainian people, it should stop wielding the big stick of sanctions and support such efforts, rather than misrepresenting China's intention and slinging mud on what China is doing.