China, Ukraine FMs meet ahead of referenda
Beijing conveys clear and consistent position, maintains strategic resolve
One day before the referenda held by four regions in Ukraine on whether to join Russia started, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi in a meeting with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba conveyed clearly China’s position on the Ukraine crisis.
Wang met with Kuleba on the sidelines of the 77th session of the UN General Assembly on Thursday. In their meeting, Wang said Chinese President Xi Jinping has pointed out that sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries must be respected, the purposes and principles of the UN Charter must be fully observed, the legitimate security concerns of all countries must be taken seriously, and all efforts that are conducive to the peaceful settlement of the crisis must be supported.
This is China’s most authoritative exposition on the Ukraine issue, and it is also China’s fundamental principle in viewing and handling this issue, Wang said, adding that as a responsible major country and permanent member of the UN Security Council, China has always been committed to promoting peace talks, never stands idly by, never adds fuel to the fire, and never takes advantage of the situation for its own self-interest.
China always stands on the side of peace, and will continue to play a constructive role, he said.
Kuleba said Ukraine attaches importance to China’s international status and important influence, and expects China to play an important role in alleviating the current crisis, adding that Ukraine is willing to conduct dialogue in line with its national interests.
On Wednesday, Wang Yi met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, during which Wang said as permanent members of the UN Security Council and responsible major countries, China and Russia should play their due roles, Wang said.
Wang Yi said China hopes that the related parties will not give up on dialogue, and will strive to address security concerns through peace talks.
Lavrov expounded on Russia’s position on the issue, stressing that security is indivisible and that Russia is willing to solve problems through dialogue and negotiation.
Cui Heng, an expert at the Center for Russian Studies at East China Normal University said that China has adhered to its principle of stressing countries’ sovereignty and territorial integrity, which means we respect the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of all countries.
“Just like China’s position on Crimea in 2014, we always adhere to the principle of territorial integrity and sovereignty,” Cui said.
Analysts said China’s consistent positions showed China as a responsible major country has maintained strategic resolve and position will not be affected by external pressure.