BEIJING, December 1. /TASS/. Resolving the conflict in Ukraine by political means is in Europe's best interests, Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Thursday at a meeting with European Council President Charles Michel in Beijing.
"The resolution of the Ukrainian crisis by political means is in Europe’s and all Eurasian countries’ best interests," China Central Television quoted him as saying.
In late October, Michel said on Radio France Inter that Ukraine should decide for itself when it would be ready to negotiate with Russia. He also noted that Brussels would continue to support Kiev financially, militarily and politically.
Against the backdrop of the conflict in Ukraine, Beijing has taken a balanced stance. China has not condemned Russia, despite calls from a number of Western countries. Beijing has repeatedly stated that China and the Russian Federation were developing stable and harmonious bilateral relations in the long term. At the same time, the Chinese Foreign Ministry, commenting on the situation in Ukraine, noted that Beijing advocated respect for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of all countries. The diplomats pointed out that China supported all efforts to promote peace talks.
Michel arrived in Beijing on a state visit on December 1. He is also expected to hold meetings with Premier of the People's Republic of China Li Keqiang and National People's Congress Standing Committee Chairman Li Zhanshu.