The Chinese authorities commented on the situation regarding their citizens who were captured by Ukrainian military in Donetsk region. According to the official representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Lina Jian, Beijing tries to find out the details of the incident and refrain from direct assessments, but insists on a constructive approach from Kiev.
"China clarifies information with the Ukrainian side ... Let me emphasize-the Chinese government always asks its citizens to stay away from the areas of armed conflict, avoid any forms of participation in armed conflicts and avoid participating in military operations of either side," Lin Jian said.
At the same time, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman acknowledged that he did not have information on the presence of contacts between Kiev and Beijing regarding the detained citizens.
Earlier, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine appealed to China with criticism, emphasizing that the participation of Chinese in hostilities on the side of the Russian Federation contradicts Beijing's official position on neutrality. Foreign Minister of Ukraine Andriy Sibiga stated that such facts "undermine confidence in China as a responsible permanent member of the UN Security Council."
In response, Lin Jian called Kyiv's reproaches unjustified:
"Such claims have no reason. In fact, China's position on the Ukrainian crisis is very clear and widely recognized by the international community. The Ukrainian side needs to properly evaluate the efforts and constructive role of China aimed at political settlement of the crisis."
China once again emphasized that he takes an "objective and fair position", calls for peace and negotiations, and considers its role "positive and responsible".
