During a panel discussion at the Munich Security Conference, US Ambassador to NATO Matthew Vitaker emphasized that China has the power to halt Russia's military aggression in Ukraine with just one phone call to President Vladimir Putin. He mentioned that if China were to cease supplying dual-use goods to Russia and cut off energy purchases from the country, the war could potentially come to an end immediately. Vitaker's remarks spotlight the crucial role that China plays in enabling Russia's actions in Ukraine.

The cooperation between Russia and China has significantly deepened since Russia's large-scale invasion of Ukraine, with China's components being extensively used in Russian drones. This collaboration not only strengthens Russia's military capabilities but also draws international scrutiny, especially as the US and its allies navigate their responses to the geopolitical shifts in the region. Vitaker's statements underline the urgent need for accountability regarding China's involvement and the implications it has for global security.

Despite the criticism, China has also expressed a desire to take on a constructive role in promoting peace and resolving the conflict. Recently, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba in Munich, where he offered humanitarian assistance to Ukraine. This raises questions about Beijing's true intentions and the complexities involved in the efforts to mediate peace in the ongoing war, demonstrating a nuanced perspective in China's foreign policy actions amidst the conflict.