China believes that support of Russian-Ukrainian negotiations should continue in order to achieve a ceasefire as soon as possible, Premier of the Chinese State Council Li Keqiang told reporters on Friday.
“Maximum effort should be paid in order to support Russia and Ukraine in overcoming difficulties, achieving ceasefire, negotiating for a peaceful result,” he said at a news conference after the closing of the fifth session of the 13th National People’s Congress.
The Chinese authorities are greatly concerned by the difficult situation in Ukraine and are seeking a peaceful solution to the conflict, with interests of all parties taken into account, he said.
“The Chinese side is deeply concerned by the situation in Ukraine, we sincerely hope for its soonest settlement,” he said. “China has always stuck to the principle of mutual respect, when the parties concerned take each other’s interests into account.”
In his words, Beijing is set to conduct “free, independent and peaceful policies” regarding the Ukrainian issue.
“When we build bilateral relations, we never act against a third party,” Li Keqiang said, adding that his country was interested in stability on the global arena and will coordinate its efforts with other countries.
According to him, sanctions may deal a blow to the global economic recovery.
“At present, the pandemic is having a serious effect on the global economy. Relevant sanctions may deal a blow to the global economic recovery, harming all sides,” he said.