China on Tuesday expressed “concern” about the “development of the current situation in Ukraine” after 12 people were killed and more than 100 wounded, following the Russian shelling of several Ukrainian cities.
“China asks the parties involved to resolve their differences through dialogue and consultation,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told a news conference.
The spokeswoman also expressed China’s “willingness” to “work with the international community” and play a “constructive role in reducing tensions.”
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights confirmed that at least 12 people were killed and more than 100 wounded, noting that much of the Russian bombing hit civilian targets, in violation of international law.
Periodically updated data from the UN indicates that the Russian invasion of Ukraine has already killed at least 6,221 civilians and injured another 9,371.
Since the beginning of the conflict, China has maintained an ambiguous position, calling for respect for the “territorial integrity of all countries”, including Ukraine, and attention to “the legitimate security concerns of all countries”, referring to Russia.
During a meeting in Uzbekistan last month, Russian President Vladimir Putin praised his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping for the fact that Beijing has always maintained a “balanced position” on the conflict, while admitting that China has “problems and worries”.
Source: TSF
