Photo taken on Feb 25, 2022 shows an empty street in Kyiv, capital of Ukraine. (XINHUA)
BEIJING – Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Friday elaborated China's basic position on the Ukrainian issue.
He made these remarks and exchanged views on the situation in Ukraine during his phone talks with British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss, the European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell as well as Emmanuel Bonne, diplomatic counselor to French President Emmanuel Macron, respectively.
Wang Yi said China firmly stands for respecting and safeguarding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries and earnestly abiding by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter
Wang expounded on China's basic position on the Ukrainian issue in the following five points.
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First, China firmly stands for respecting and safeguarding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries and earnestly abiding by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, said Wang.
Secondly, China advocates the concept of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, he said.
Thirdly, he said, "China has been following the evolution of the Ukrainian issue, and the present situation is something we do not want to see."
Fourth, the Chinese side supports and encourages all diplomatic efforts conducive to the peaceful settlement of the Ukrainian crisis.
Fifth, China believes that the UN Security Council should play a constructive role in resolving the Ukrainian issue and that regional peace and stability as well as the security of all countries should be the priorities, he added.
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Actions taken by the Security Council should reduce the tension rather than add fuel to the flames, and should help advance the settlement of the issue through diplomatic means rather than further escalating the situation, Wang said
Actions taken by the Security Council should reduce the tension rather than add fuel to the flames, and should help advance the settlement of the issue through diplomatic means rather than further escalating the situation.
China is always opposed to wilfully citing the Chapter VII in Security Council resolutions to authorize the use of force and sanctions.
Wang said that China, as a permanent member of the Security Council as well as a responsible major country, China has always been faithfully fulfilling its international obligations and playing a constructive role in safeguarding world peace and stability.
When it comes to the peace and security issue, China is a major country with the best record, Wang said, adding that China has never invaded other countries, launched proxy wars, sought spheres of influence or engaged in any military bloc confrontation.
China adheres to the path of peace and development, and is committed to building a community with a shared future for mankind, Wang said.
China will continue to firmly reject all hegemonies and strong powers, and firmly safeguard the legitimate and legal rights and interests of developing countries, especially small and medium-sized countries, he added.
Meanwhile, as the situation continued to deteriorate in Ukraine, the Chinese embassy in Ukraine on Friday said Chinese nationals could register for chartered flights to leave the country.