On February 25, 2022, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi had a telephone conversation with British Foreign Secretary Truss, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Borrell, and French Presidential Adviser Bona, focusing on in-depth exchanges of views on the situation in Ukraine.

Wang Yi expounded China's basic position on the Ukraine issue, which is summarized in the following five points:

　　1. China firmly advocates respecting and safeguarding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries and earnestly abide by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter.

This position is consistent and clear, and it applies equally to Ukraine.

　　2. China advocates a common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security concept.

It is believed that the security of one country cannot be at the expense of compromising the security of other countries, and regional security cannot be guaranteed by strengthening or even expanding military groups.

The legitimate security concerns of States should be respected.

Under the circumstance of five consecutive rounds of NATO's eastward expansion, Russia's legitimate security demands should be taken seriously and properly addressed.

　　3. The Chinese side has been paying attention to the evolution of the Ukraine issue. The current situation is something we do not want to see.

It is imperative that all parties exercise necessary restraint to prevent the situation in Ukraine from worsening or even going out of control.

The safety of life and property of civilians should be effectively guaranteed, especially to prevent large-scale humanitarian crises.

　　4. China supports and encourages all diplomatic efforts that are conducive to a peaceful settlement of the Ukrainian crisis.

China welcomes direct dialogue and negotiation between Russia and Ukraine as soon as possible.

The evolution of the Ukraine issue has complex historical latitudes and latitudes.

Ukraine should be a bridge between East and West, not a frontier of great power confrontation.

China also supports the equal dialogue between the EU and Russia on European security issues, so as to eventually form a balanced, effective and sustainable European security mechanism.

　　5. The Chinese side believes that the UN Security Council should play a constructive role in solving the Ukraine issue, and should focus on regional peace and stability and the general security of all countries.

Actions taken by the Security Council should cool tensions rather than fuel them, and should facilitate a diplomatic solution rather than further escalation.

In view of this, China has always disapproved of Security Council resolutions that frequently invoke Chapter VII, which authorizes the use of force and sanctions.

　　Wang Yi said that as a permanent member of the Security Council and a responsible major country, China has always faithfully fulfilled its international obligations and played a constructive role in maintaining world peace and stability.

When it comes to peace and security, China is a major power with the best record.

We have never invaded other countries, never engaged in proxy wars, never sought spheres of influence, and never participated in military bloc confrontations.

China adheres to the path of peaceful development and is committed to building a community with a shared future for mankind.

We will continue to firmly oppose all hegemonic powers and firmly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries, especially small and medium-sized countries.