Beijing, 22 February 2022 (TDI): In a virtual meeting, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken updated Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the US side’s views and position on the present situation in Ukraine.
Foreign Minister Wang Yi expressed concern over the “deteriorating” situation in Ukraine, stressing his urge for all parties to exercise moderation and resolve issues via discussion on Tuesday.
I spoke with People’s Republic of China State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi. I underscored the need to preserve Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) February 22, 2022
Russian President Vladimir Putin authorized the deployment of soldiers to two areas in eastern Ukraine on Monday. Russia has denied any plans to attack Ukraine and demands comprehensive security guarantees, including a guarantee that its neighbor will never join NATO.
The Chinese State Councilor informed US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken that any country’s genuine security concerns should be acknowledged. Wang told Blinken, “The situation in Ukraine is concerning.” “China urges all parties to maintain restraint once more.”
According to Ned Price, a US State Department spokesperson, Blinken stressed the need of preserving Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity in the face of Russian “aggression.”
Earlier this morning, China’s Embassy in Ukraine issued a warning to its people to be concerned about insecure areas but did not ask them to leave, as several other countries have done.
Moreover, Wang also said that “The Chinese Embassy in Ukraine has reminded Chinese citizens and businesses to strengthen security precautions.”
In answer to a question about when China will take its citizens out of Ukraine, Wang said at a regular media briefing that the Embassy will ensure that their needs are satisfied on time.
In addition to this, Wang told the conference, which gathered more reporters than usual, that China is closely monitoring the situation in Ukraine.
