Ukraine needs deft handling

The political upheaval in Ukraine has turned into an international crisis. The crux of the problem lies in whether Russia recognizes Ukraine's interim government and whether Crimea will secede from Ukraine to become a part of Russia. This is a thorny problem for China's diplomacy, too.

Following the ouster of president Viktor Yanukovych, Ukraine has an interim government. This government, however, has three drawbacks. First, it assumed office in a most abnormal way. Second, its capability to control local political entities and the state apparatus is questionable. Third, whether it has the support of the overwhelming majority of Ukrainians is not known; only a free and fair national election can decide that.

It is a thorny issue for China because it too has separatist forces trying to split the country. So before taking a stance on such issues, the Chinese government is conditioned to first review the situation within its borders and adopt a prudent approach.