China committed to promoting peace talks on Ukraine issue: top diplomat

China has stayed committed to promoting peace talks on the Ukraine issue and will not give up as long as there is a glimmer of hope, said Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in a meeting with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, at the latter's request, on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference (MSC) on Saturday.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, elaborated on China's position on the Ukraine issue. China insists on resolving hot spot issues through political means and keeps promoting peace talks. It refrains from adding fuel to the fire or taking advantage of the situation, and refrains from selling lethal weapons to conflict areas or parties, Wang said.

China will continue to play a constructive role to promote a ceasefire and cessation of violence, as well as efforts to restore peace, Wang noted.

China and Ukraine have been strategic partners for many years, and the two peoples have a traditional friendship. Regardless of how the international situation changes, China hopes that China-Ukraine relations can develop normally and continue to benefit the people of both countries, Wang said. China once again thanks Ukraine for its help in the emergency evacuation of Chinese nationals, Wang noted.

Ukraine is willing to maintain friendly exchanges with China and promote further development of Ukraine-China relations, Kuleba said, adding that China has significant influence in global affairs.

Ukraine highly appreciates China's release of a position paper on the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis. Ukraine hopes that China will continue to play a constructive role in promoting peace. Ukraine is willing to strengthen communication with China's special envoy on Eurasian affairs, the Ukrainian foreign minister said.

Wang elaborated on China's position on the Ukraine crisis when answering questions following his keynote speech during the "China in the World" session at the Munich Security Conference on Saturday.

China did not create the Ukraine crisis, nor is it a party to the crisis, yet China neither stood idle nor took advantage of the crisis, said Wang.

China has stayed committed to promoting peace talks and played a positive role in efforts to restore peace. The earlier peace talks resume, the less damage for all sides, said Wang.