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Chinese FM: World community must play constructive role in Ukraine’s crisis settlement

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said "China hopes the conflicting parties in Ukraine will show composure and restraint” and restore political stability through dialogue"

BEIJING, February 20. /ITAR-TASS/. China believes that countries should develop their relations on the basis of mutual respect for sovereignty and non-interference into domestic affairs, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying told reporter in her comments on the European Union’s possible sanctions against Ukraine.

“We hope that the relevant sides of the world community will take an unbiased, neutral, fair and well-balanced position,” she said, emphasizing that China called on the world community to contribute to Ukraine’s conflict settlement through dialogue and consultations and to play “a constructive role” in the process.

“China hopes the conflicting parties in Ukraine will show composure and restraint” and restore political stability through dialogue, Hua said.

“This meets interests of the state and the people,” she said. “China keeps an eye on the situation in Ukraine” and expresses concern over escalating tensions.

On Wednesday, the Chinese Foreign Ministry expressed condolences over deaths in Kiev’s clashes. “Ukraine is China’s strategic partner, and we keep a close watch on developments in Kiev and express condolences over deaths there,” the diplomat said.

Later on Thursday foreign ministers from 28 EU member-states will consider sanctions against Ukraine at their extraordinary meeting in Brussels. The United States imposed sanctions against 20 Ukrainian government officials, banning their entry to the country.