Beijing will safeguard its legitimate rights and interests, according to the country’s foreign minister
While stating that China will stand up for its legitimate economic interests in the face of Western sanctions, the country’s foreign minister, Wang Yi, has refuted the notion that Beijing is taking Russia’s side in the Ukrainian conflict.
“China is not a party to the [Ukrainian] crisis, nor does it want the sanctions to affect China. China has the right to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests,” insisted Wang Yi on Monday during a phone call with his Spanish counterpart José Manuel Albares Bueno.
The Chinese foreign minister called on Moscow and Kiev to engage in dialogue to prevent further escalation, saying only diplomacy can “open the door to peace.”
“China has been promoting peace talks in its own way since the very beginning of the Ukraine crisis. We hope that the fourth round of Russia-Ukraine peace talks can achieve new progress acceptable to all parties,” the official statement read.
The country’s top diplomat also explained that Beijing sees the current crisis as an outcome of Europe’s multiple security conflicts accumulating over the years. He argued that to resolve the conflict legitimate security concerns of all involved parties should be addressed.
While calling for peace and encouraging the belligerents to reach a ceasefire, Beijing adamantly condemned Western sanctions designed to punish Moscow for its military action.
