(Machine translation)
On March 1, 2022, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi
spoke by phone with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kuleba by appointment.
Kuleba introduced the first round of the Ukrainian-Russian
negotiations, saying that ending the war is the highest priority for the
Ukrainian side, which is open to a negotiated settlement of the
Ukrainian issue and approaches the Ukrainian-Russian negotiations
with positive sincerity. Despite the fact that the current negotiations
are not progressing smoothly, the Ukrainian side remains calm and is
willing to continue to push forward the negotiations. China has played a
constructive role in the Ukrainian issue,
and the Ugandan side is willing to strengthen communication with China
and expects China to carry out its good offices to achieve a ceasefire.
Wang Yi said the situation in Ukraine has changed rapidly, and
China deplores the outbreak of the conflict between Ukraine and Russia
and is extremely concerned about the harm suffered by civilians. China's
basic position on the Ukraine issue is open,
transparent and consistent. We have always advocated respect for the
sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries. In response to
the current crisis, China calls on Ukraine and Russia to find a solution
to the problem through negotiations and supports
all constructive international efforts conducive to a political
solution.
Wang Yi stressed that China has always believed that the security
of one country cannot be achieved at the expense of the security of
others, and regional security cannot be achieved by expanding military
blocs. In response to the expanding fighting, it
is imperative to de-escalate the situation on the ground as much as
possible and avoid escalation or even loss of control of the conflict,
especially to prevent harm to civilians and the emergence of a
humanitarian crisis, and also to ensure safe and timely
access for humanitarian aid.
Wang Yi focused on ensuring the safety of Chinese citizens in
Ukraine and urged the Ukrainian side to assume the corresponding
international responsibility. Wang Yi stressed that the Chinese
government attaches great importance to the safety of Chinese citizens
in Ukraine and is concerned about their safety and security at all
times. Chinese citizens in Ukraine are the messengers of friendship
between China and Ukraine and are the friends of the Ukrainian people.
The Chinese side is moving forward with the process
of evacuating the students and expatriates in Ukraine, and appreciates
the support and cooperation of the Ukrainian side and the friendly help
of all sectors of the Ukrainian society. China appreciates the opening
of a special train for the evacuation of foreign
nationals in Ukraine, which is in line with the international
humanitarian spirit. I hope the Ukrainian side will take all necessary
measures to ensure the safety of Chinese citizens in Ukraine and continue
to provide protection and convenience for the evacuation
of Chinese citizens.
Kuleba said that ensuring the safety of foreign citizens is an
important responsibility of the Ukrainian side. The Ukrainian side attaches
great importance to China's concerns and is assisting Chinese students
and others to evacuate smoothly. The Ukrainian side
will continue to do a good job in a responsible manner to ensure the
safe evacuation of foreign citizens.