Imposition of sanctions is not an effective way to solve problems, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Tuesday in a phone call with Swiss President and Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis, in which the two officials exchanged views on the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

An escalation of sanctions without limitations will not only hamper global economic recovery amid the pandemic, but also expand and complicate the crisis, Wang said.

He said normal international economic and trade exchanges between non-parties to the conflict should not be affected, and the legitimate rights and interests of various countries should be earnestly safeguarded.

Wang noted that the short-term goals of China and Switzerland in dealing with the situation in Ukraine are the same – to achieve a ceasefire and end the conflict as soon as possible and to avoid a humanitarian crisis.

In the long run, all parties should address each other's legitimate concerns and explore ways to build a balanced, effective and sustainable European security framework, he said.

Noting that China appreciates Switzerland's repeated commitment to permanent neutrality and its role as a bridge-builder in international affairs, Wang said China expects Switzerland to play its unique role, and it stands ready to strengthen communication and coordination with Switzerland.

Cassis said he agreed that the European security framework should be rebuilt.

It is the largest war that broke out in Europe in more than 70 years, he noted, resulting in the displacement of a large number of civilians and having a serious impact on economic recovery, globalization and multilateralism.

He also said Switzerland believes that diplomacy is the only correct way to deal with it, and it stands for resolving differences through dialogues and negotiations.

Switzerland maintains dialogue with Russia and Ukraine, and it does not support the exclusion of Russia from multilateral institutions, he said, adding Switzerland will continue to uphold its status as a neutral country and provide goodwill services for diplomatic mediation and the promotion of peace talks.