Photo:Xinhua

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin urged a US lawmaker to make a correction after he mistakenly told CNN that the "Chinese delegation" did not applaud Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's speech at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos and walked out.

Wang made this comment on Wednesday during a press conference after the Chinese delegation staged a solemn representation on Tuesday, saying that the report distorted the facts. 

When Zelensky made the speech, the Chinese delegation was meeting with International Energy Agency chief Fatih Birol, the delegation told the Xinhua News Agency. CNN's report distorted the facts and slandered the position of the Chinese delegation. 

When CNN talked with Michael McCaul, a Republican from Texas, on air on Monday, McCaul showed a picture he took at Davos of what he called "the Chinese delegation" sitting during a standing ovation after Zelensky's speech. 

McCaul said the "Chinese delegation" was sitting behind him and that the delegation refused to clap like others did after Zelensky made a "powerful" speech in rallying the international community. 

"And then they proceeded to walk out after that picture … Sending a clear message they do not support Ukraine," he told CNN. 

Some Chinese media outlets such as thepaper.cn and Caixin Magazine found out that one of several men in the picture with McCaul appeared to be the vice prime minister of Vietnam. 

Local media in Vietnam had also reported earlier this week that deputy prime minister Le Minh Khai would attend the Davos meeting from Monday to Tuesday.

The spokesperson from the Chinese ministry urged the relevant US lawmaker to make the correction and stop spreading false information. 

The Chinese government reiterated that it has always supported Russia and Ukraine to overcome difficulties and continue negotiations, and welcomes all efforts by the international community to promote peace, noting that it is ready to work with other parties to continue playing a constructive role in this regard. 

The nature of the Russia-Ukraine conflict is a strategic game between Moscow and Washington, and the facts prove that the conflict has created a new situation that has harmed Ukraine, Russia and the rest of Europe, but only benefits the US, Chinese observers said.

Global Times