Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian Photo: fmprc.gov.cn

The Chinese Foreign Ministry said countries around the world should not be made to pay for US unilateral sanctions, as the Ukraine crisis triggers a global grain shortage.  

Zhao Lijian, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson made the remarks at a routine conference on Wednesday.

After the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the US and its allies launched rounds of unilateral sanctions against Russia, the sanctions have not solved any problems, and have made the already pessimistic world economic situation worse, Zhao said.

At present, it is difficult enough for countries to deal with the epidemic while trying to achieve an economic recovery. Against this background, all-round and indiscriminate sanctions will not only cause new irreparable losses, but may also impact the existing world economic system, destroying the achievements of decades of efforts in international economic cooperation, and ultimately making people of all countries pay a heavy price, Zhao said.

"This is unjust and unreasonable, and it goes against international morality and global public sentiment," Zhao said. 

"To deal with international and regional issues, war and sanctions are not the only option. Dialogue is the fundamental solution and the correct way out that best serves the interests of all parties." Zhao said 

As the initiator of the Ukrainian crisis, the US should reflect deeply, change its old habit of being arrogant and encourage peace and talks, rather than adding fuel to the fire. 

As a major power in the world, the US is more responsible for maintaining the stability of the world economic system, rules and foundations, and should not allow countries around the world to pay for unilateral sanctions which it has imposed on others, Zhao added. 

Global Times