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China ‘concerned’ about Ukraine crisis, resists taking sides despite US pressure
- White House confirms US Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Tuesday about Russia’s aggression
- China’s envoy to the United Nations Zhang Jun called on all sides to show restraint and avoid any action that escalates tensions
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Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has “expressed concern” about the Ukraine crisis but Beijing has refrained from taking a clear position between Russia and Ukraine despite pressure from Washington.
Wang spoke with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Tuesday about “Russia’s aggression against Ukraine”.
“China is concerned about the evolving situation in Ukraine,” Wang said, reiterating that China’s stance on the matter had not changed and that “every country’s security concern should be respected”.
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“The fact that the Ukraine crisis has evolved to this stage is related to the delayed implementation of the Minsk agreement,” Wang said, referring to the protocol signed in 2014 and 2015 whose clause would rule out foreign armed formations, including Nato, equipment and mercenaries.
“China will continue to stick to the facts and be in touch with all parties. The situation in Ukraine is worsening. China would call upon all parties to be restrained and to recognise the universal importance of security for all, and to de-escalate tensions through dialogue,” Wang said.
“China will continue to stick to the facts and be in touch with all parties. The situation in Ukraine is worsening. China would call upon all parties to be restrained and to recognise the universal importance of security for all, and to de-escalate tensions through dialogue,” Wang said.
According to US State Department spokesman Ned Price, during the call, “the secretary [Blinken] underscored the need to preserve Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity”.
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