Q: According to recent news reports, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell said that neither Europe or the US can be mediators between Russia and Ukraine, there is no alternative and it has to be China. What’s your comment?

A: We noted relevant reports. We are following very closely the situation in Ukraine and hope that the fighting will stop as soon as possible, the situation on the ground will be eased, the life and property safety of civilians effectively guaranteed, and a large-scale humanitarian crisis prevented.

The evolution of the Ukraine issue is something China does not want to see. The Ukraine issue is complicated. China always decides its position and policy according to the merits of the matter itself. We believe that to resolve the Ukraine crisis, it’s necessary to act in accordance with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, respect and uphold the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries, and pursue peaceful settlement of disputes through dialogue.

The Chinese side supports all efforts that are conducive to de-escalation and political settlement of the situation, and opposes any move that does no good to the pursuit of diplomatic settlement and adds fuel to the fire. We encourage Russia and Ukraine to have direct negotiations. We also encourage the US, NATO and the EU to engage in equal-footed dialogue with Russia, face up to the frictions and problems accumulated over the years, follow the principle of indivisible security and seek to build a balanced, effective and sustainable European security mechanism.