File photo:Xinhua

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Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi spoke on the phone with Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov on Thursday. 

Lavrov introduced how situation in Ukraine has evolved to the current stage and Russia's position. Lavrov said that the US and NATO violated their commitments by continuously expanding toward the east, refusing to implement the new Minsk Agreement, and violated the UN Security Council Resolution 2202, and Russia was forced to take necessary measures to safeguard its own rights and interests.

Wang said China always respects other countries' sovereignty and territorial integrity. Wang also noted the Ukraine issue has complex and special historical aspects and understands Russia's reasonable concerns on security issues.

China advocates that the Cold War mentality should be completely abandoned, and a balanced, effective and sustainable European security mechanism should eventually be formed through dialogue and negotiations, said Wang. 

Global Times