The Ministry of Foreign Affairs called on Europe to build a “balanced, effective and sustainable security mechanism” and again advocated respect for the concerns of all territories.

It also reiterated the rejection of any movement that further exacerbates tensions and considered it imperative to remain calm.

China remains attentive to the evolution of the conflict, after Russia launched a special military operation in Donbass, southeastern Ukraine, on Thursday, with reports showing the disabling of military facilities at various points, including Kiev.

The move follows Moscow’s recognition of the independence of Donetsk and Lugansk, which the United States, the European Union and other countries responded with sanctions.

China plans to evacuate its 6,000 citizens residing in Ukraine on charter flights, but in the meantime it warned them to stay home and, if they do leave, to do so in vehicles, place the Chinese flag outside and be aware of the existence of gas stations along the way.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi analyzed the situation with his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, on Thursday, and they agreed that the current crisis is a consequence of Kiev’s refusal to apply the Minsk “package of measures” approved by the United Nations Security Council. They also insisted on the need for all countries to respect the principle of indivisibility of security.

China indicated that the situation does not affect its trade relations with Russia and Ukraine.

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