Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi Photo:Ministry of Foreign Affairs

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China calls on Ukraine and Russia to find a solution to the crisis through negotiations and supports all constructive international efforts in favor of a political solution, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, mentioned in a phone conversation with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba on Tuesday. 

During the call, Wang said China deeply regrets about the escalating crisis between Russia and Ukraine and is paying special attention to causalities of civilians. China's stance on the Ukraine crisis is fair, transparent and consistent, said Wang.

China has always believed that the security of a country cannot be achieved at the expense of the security of others, and regional security cannot be achieved by expanding military blocs, Wang remarked. 

Wang noted that the urgent task at hand is to de-escalate the situation on the ground as much as possible and avoid the intensification or loss of control of the conflict, especially to prevent harm to civilians and a potential humanitarian crisis, and to ensure safe and timely access for humanitarian aid.

Kuleba told Wang that China has played a constructive role in the Ukrainian issue, saying that Ukraine is willing to strengthen communication with Beijing, and expects China's good efforts to reach a ceasefire. 

The Ukrainian Foreign Minister mentioned during the phone call the first round of negotiations with Russia, highlighting that ending the war is the highest priority for Ukraine, which is open to a negotiated settlement and approaches the negotiations with positive sincerity.

Although the current negotiations are not going smoothly, Ukraine remains calm and is willing to continue to push forward with the dialogue, said Kuleba. 

Wang urged Kuleba to ensure the safety of Chinese nationals in Ukraine, stressing that the Chinese government attaches great importance to their safety at all times. 

Wang also appreciated the support and cooperation of the Ukrainian side and the friendly help of all sectors of the Ukrainian society for China's evacuation of the students and expatriates from the country. 

China hopes that Ukraine will take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of the Chinese nationals and continue to provide protection for the evacuation.

Kuleba said that ensuring the safety of foreign citizens is an important responsibility and Ukraine attaches great importance to China's concerns and is assisting Chinese nationals to evacuate smoothly. He also vowed that Ukraine will continue to ensure the safe evacuation of foreign citizens.

Global Times