Chinese envoy stresses political solution for Ukraine crisis

The solution of the crisis in Ukraine should be a long-lasting and balanced one, a Chinese envoy told the UN Security Council meeting Tuesday, stressing that a political solution is the only way.

Wang Min, China's deputy permanent representative to the UN, made the comment at an open meeting of the council on the situation in Ukraine.

"Recently, some areas in Ukraine have continued to experience unrest, armed conflict and frequent violence, resulting in heavy tolls on people and property. China is deeply troubled by this," Wang said.

Taking note of Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko's peace plan and ceasefire announcement, Wang stressed that a political solution is the only way to resolve the crisis in Ukraine. "China welcomes any efforts that helps de-escalate tensions in Ukraine and hopes all parties would keep calm and exercise restraint, seize the opportunity to enhance mutual trust and practically implement the ceasefire in conflict areas, so as to create favorable conditions for the political solution."

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko on Friday unveiled a peace plan aiming at peacefully resolving the conflict in eastern regions, offering unilateral ceasefire and calling on the rebels to lay down their arms and start peace talks with the government in Kiev. Anti-government insurgents in eastern Ukraine agreed to observe the ceasefire Monday.

The Chinese envoy held that the crisis in Ukraine has its historical factors and realistic complexity. "A holistic solution of the crisis calls for consideration of the overall situation. It should be a long-lasting and balanced one that takes into account the legitimate rights and interests of all people in Ukraine and addresses the legitimate concerns of all and strikes a balance among the interests of all sides," he said.

Wang noted that relevant parties of the international community are actively engaged with each other on the question of Ukraine, saying that such momentum should be sustained.

"A swift and proper solution of the crisis in Ukraine is not only in the interests of its country and its people, but also in the interests of regional peace and stability," said Wang. "China respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries including Ukraine. We will continue to hold a fair and objective position in actively taking part in the consideration of any proposals and initiatives for the easing of tension and political solution," he said, adding that China will play a constructive role in this process.