Russia and Turkey’s versions about Turkish downing of Russian warplane happened last Tuesday are clearly different.

Turkey’s air forces said they were forced to shoot down Russian military plane because it had violated Turkish airspace, flying across the border shared with Syria. On the other side Russia, extremely indignant, refuted Turkey’s position, saying that Russian plane was in Syrian airspace when it was shot down.

It’s quite clear that the recent event will cause a rift between the two countries; indeed, Russia has already suspended military cooperation with Turkey.

According to Chinese leaders it’s necessary to further clarify this situation. “China is deeply concerned about this issue”, stated the Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hong Lei: “China will support all efforts on anti-terrorism from international society”. Chinese Communist Party affirmed that the current situation “Could be one of the most critical moments since the end of the Cold War”.

What position will China take over this issue between Russia and Turkey? We still don’t have relevant information about a significant decision taken by Chinese government. At the moment China is keeping its distance, trying to avoid to be directly involved in the situation.

However China could play an important role in this critical moment and its position would be decisive in supporting anti-terrorism action.

Valentina Gagliano