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China opposes US anti-Russian sanctions and takes independent stance on Ukraine — diplomat

Sanctions have never been an effective way to solve problems, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian pointed out

BEIJING, March 16. /TASS/. China opposes the United States' anti-Russian sanctions and will always take an objective and independent position on the Ukraine issue, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian said on Wednesday.

"We oppose the sanctions and our position is quite clear," he stressed at the briefing, "The US has recently made numerous provocative statements regarding China on this issue. <...> We will firmly defend the interests of Chinese individuals and companies."

According to the Chinese diplomat, Washington is actively using all available levers to put pressure on the international community to strengthen sanctions against Russia. "These are blatant hegemonic threats, indicating that the US government is guided by Cold War thinking," he added.

As Zhao Lijian clarified, China has consistently kept "an objective and independent position" on the Ukrainian issue and "maintains its own judgment." The diplomat recalled that Beijing sought to reduce escalation in Ukraine by promoting constructive negotiations between Moscow and Kiev.

"Any attempts to distort China's efforts in this direction, as well as spreading false information to smear China, show irresponsibility, they are also immoral," he said, "Once again, sanctions have never been an effective way to solve problems."

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China United States Sanctions

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