China's stance on Ukraine crisis

Armed conflicts between pro-Russia insurgents and Ukrainian government forces have been raging on since mid-April in two eastern regions of Ukraine, killing at least 4,707 people and wounding more than 10,322 others, despite a cease-fire agreement reached in September.

The following are China's stance on the crisis.

SOLUTION IN FRAMEWORK OF LAW, ORDER

In handling foreign relations, China has upheld the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and consistently respected other countries' sovereignty and territorial integrity with no interference in their internal affairs. The principles were reflected in China's stance on the Ukraine crisis.

In response to referendums held in two regions of eastern Ukraine over their future status, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said on May 12 that the issue should be dealt with in the framework of law and order. Stressing that China has always followed the policy of noninterference in the internal affairs of other countries, Hua said China respects Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

"China holds that the settlement of the Ukrainian crisis should take each party's reasonable concerns and interests into consideration, and the disputes should be solved in a framework of law and order," Hua said.

POLITICAL SOLUTION THROUGH DIALOGUE, NEGOTIATIONS

Since February, the Ukraine crisis has continued to brew and the armed conflicts have been on. The Chinese side has called on all parties to keep calm and exercise restraint so as to resolve disputes through dialogue and negotiations and prevent the situation from further deteriorating.

On April 14, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua called on relevant parties in Ukraine to keep calm and exercise restraint, when asked to comment on a conflict in eastern Ukraine's Slavyansk.

China urged all sides in Ukraine to explore ways to dissolve the crisis through political dialogue based on a full consideration and accommodation of the legitimate rights, interests and concerns of all regions and ethnic communities, and promote political stability and economic development of Ukraine, Hua said.

IMPARTIALITY AND BALANCE

The crisis is attributed to both Ukraine's adjustment of its relations with major countries and changes in its economic and political landscapes. China has stated on multiple occasions that history and complex factors are behind the crisis, and that it involves interests and concerns of various parties. Therefore, the resolution of the issue requires a balanced approach.