Wang Yi Speaks with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba on the Phone

On Mar 1, 2022, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi had a phone conversation with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba at the latter's invitation.

Kuleba briefed Wang Yi on the outcomes of the first round of negotiation between Ukraine and Russia. Noting that ending the war is the top priority for Ukraine, he said Ukraine is open to solving the current issue through negotiation and approaches the negotiation with positivity and sincerity. He noted that although the negotiation was not smooth, the Ukrainian side still maintains calm and is willing to move forward with the talks. He said China has played a constructive role on this issue and that Ukraine is ready to step up communication with the Chinese side. He looked forward to China’s mediation efforts for the ceasefire.

Wang Yi said the situation in Ukraine has changed rapidly and dramatically. China is deeply grieved to see the conflict between Ukraine and Russia and highly concerned about the damage done to civilians. China's fundamental position on the Ukraine issue is open, transparent and consistent. We have always advocated respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries. On the current crisis, China calls on Ukraine and Russia to find a solution through negotiations and supports all constructive international efforts that are conducive to a political settlement.

Wang Yi stressed that China has always believed that the security of one country should not be achieved at the expense of the security of other countries, and that regional security can not be achieved by expanding military blocs. To address the expanding warfare, the pressing task for now is to alleviate the situation on the ground as much as possible to avoid the escalation of conflicts or even the loss of control. Harms done to civilians and humanitarian crises, in particular, must be prevented, and the safe and timely access of humanitarian assistance should be ensured.

Wang Yi stated China's position with a focus on ensuring the safety of Chinese citizens in Ukraine and urged Ukraine to assume its due international responsibilities. He stressed that the Chinese government attaches great importance to the safety of Chinese citizens in Ukraine and is concerned about their safety all the time. Chinese citizens in Ukraine are all envoys of China-Ukraine friendship and friends of the Ukrainian people. The evacuation of Chinese students and overseas Chinese in Ukraine is making progress, thanks to the support and cooperation from the Ukrainian side and the friendly assistance from all walks of life in Ukraine. China appreciates Ukraine's arrangement of special trains for the evacuation of foreign nationals, which is in line with the spirit of international humanitarianism. It is hoped that Ukraine will take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of Chinese citizens in Ukraine and continue to provide guarantee and convenience for their evacuation.

Kuleba said that ensuring the safety of foreign citizens is an important responsibility of the Ukrainian side. The Ukrainian side takes China's concerns seriously and is assisting with the smooth evacuation of Chinese students and others. The Ukrainian side will continue to take a responsible attitude to ensure the safe evacuation of foreign citizens.