China criticizes US sanctions against Russia
April 29, 2014, 4:41 am

File photo of Putin (right) presenting the Russian delegation to President of China Xi Jinping in March last year [PPIO]

In a public signal of increasing Sino-Russian cooperation, China called on all parties to resolve the Ukrainian crisis through dialogue rather than sanctions, Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang said Monday.

“We believe that sanctions are inconducive to the solution of problems. On the contrary, they will escalate tensions,” he said.

It is not in line with any side’s interests to impose sanctions, he added. “We call on all parties concerned to continue dialogue and negotiations so to resolve the crisis in a political way.”

Qin told a daily press briefing that China has been in touch with all relevant nations, including G7 nations, since the Ukrainian crisis erupted, and made clear the nation’s stance on the issue.

The G7 leaders agreed Friday night to impose more sanctions on Russia over its “inaction” in easing the tension in eastern Ukraine.

Ukraine has been plunged into a chaotic violence since November 2013 following a government backtrack on European integration which angered many in the west of the country.

It was hit by a fresh wave of unrest after Crimea left Ukraine to join Russia last month.

Beijing’s support for its ally comes ahead of a strategic visit by Russian President Vladimir Putin to Shanghai next month where he will hold talks with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping.

While participating at the Winter Olympics earlier this year, Xi called Russia a “good neighbor, good partner, and good friend.”

With joint exercises on land and at sea held within their borders, military mutual trust has also been strengthened in recent times.

In an address to the nation earlier this month, Putin has said Moscow’s ties with Beijing are expected to be a considerable factor in global politics.

 TBP and Agencies