On Monday, March 7, China repeated its position on Russia invasion of Ukraine, asking for dialogue between all parties concerned.
Wang Yi, China’s Foreign Minister, stated that China and Russia have a “rock-solid” friendship and that the prospects for collaboration between the two countries are highly promising.
Wang said the reasons for the “Ukraine situation” were “complex” and did not arise overnight during a press conference outlining Beijing’s perspective on the conflict.
He said, “Solving complex problems requires calmness and rationality, rather than adding fuel to the fire and intensifying contradictions.”
Wang urged both sides to settle their differences peacefully, via communication and negotiation, and to “respect and protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries.”
He said, “We must accommodate the legitimate security concerns of the parties involved.”
According to Wang, the countries involved should consider the region’s “long-term peace and stability” and “put in place a balanced, effective, and sustainable European security architecture.”
China’s “most important strategic partner” according to Wang, is Russia, and their bilateral relations are “conducive to world peace, stability, and development.”
He said, “No matter how sinister the international situation is, both China and Russia will maintain their strategic determination and continuously push forward the comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination in the new era.”
Chinese trade with Russia increased in the run-up to the Ukraine conflict, according to customs data released on Monday.
In January and February, exports to Russia increased by 41% more compared to the same period the previous year.
Trade with the European Union and the United States soared at the quickest rate among China’s major trading partners in the first two months of the year.