Hua Chunying, a spokeswoman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stressed that punitive measures “have never been effective in solving problems” and questioned the role of the United States in the escalation of frictions.

She also considered it irresponsible and unethical to accuse others of not helping to calm tensions while “adding fuel to the fire” with actions such as sending weapons to Ukraine.

The spokeswoman reiterated China’s position in favor of dialogue and negotiations only between Russia and Ukraine, calling on all parties involved to take into account each other’s concerns and commit to preserving peace and stability in the region.

The United States, Japan, Australia and other countries announced financial, trade and travel sanctions against Russia after President Vladimir Putin recognized the independence of the republics of Donetsk and Lugansk, signed agreements of friendship, cooperation and mutual assistance with Denis Pushilin and Leonid Pasechnik, the respective leaders of the territories, and assured that Moscow will help guarantee peace in the area.

Apart from appealing for calm, China insists on respecting the UN Charter and implementing the Minsk Agreements, as it was a measure approved by the Security Council and recognized by all parties.

The embassy of China in Kiev recommended that Chinese citizens and companies based there exercise extreme personal caution in the face of the deterioration of the situation in Ukraine.

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