Wang Yi Speaks with High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell Fontelles on the Phone

On March 7, 2022, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi had a phone conversation with High Representative of the European Union (EU) for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell Fontelles at the latter's request.

Borrell briefed Wang Yi on the EU's views and position on the current situation in Ukraine, saying that the most pressing task now is to cease fire and avoid further massive casualties. The EU supports solving the issue through negotiations. The EU hopes that China, a major peace-loving country, will play its role in encouraging and bringing about a ceasefire, and pushing the parties concerned to embark on a path of negotiations and political settlement.

Wang Yi said, China is deeply grieved over the evolution of the situation in Ukraine up to now. Sanctions will not solve problems, and escalating sanctions will only further complicate and aggravate the situation. The top priority now is to avoid a humanitarian crisis. China has publicly put forth a six-point initiative on preventing a humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, mainly aimed at fostering synergy among the international community to avoid further worsening of the humanitarian situation in Ukraine.

Wang Yi said, we should also encourage Russia and Ukraine to hold peace talks. The Chinese side has advocated dialogue from the very beginning. China hopes that the international community will support Russia and Ukraine in conducting serious negotiations, which should continue until they agree on introducing a ceasefire, ending the war, and making the peace. China is willing to continuously play a constructive role within its capacity in easing the situation. China also hopes that the EU will enter into comprehensive and serious dialogue on European security issues with Russia in the future, and form a balanced, effective and sustainable European security mechanism in accordance with the principle of indivisible security.

Wang Yi said, under the current circumstance, China and the EU, as two major forces in the world, should work together to make good preparations for the China-EU leaders' meeting, so as to send a positive signal to the world.

Borrell said, the EU stands ready to work with China to jointly push forward the further development of EU-China ties.