The Chinese Foreign Ministry on Monday called for vigilance as some media outlets have sought to misrepresent China's position on the Ukraine issue and sow discord between China and the countries concerned.

Spokesperson Mao Ning made the remarks at a daily news briefing when asked to comment on the remarks made by China's Ambassador to France Lu Shaye.

Last Friday, Ambassador Lu took part in an interview from a French media house. On the ownership of Crimea, he said that the it depends on how the problem is perceived, adding Crimea was historically part of Russia and had been offered to Ukraine by former Soviet Union leader Nikita Khrushchev.

"China's position on relevant issues remains unchanged," Mao responded.

"As to issues related to territorial sovereignty, China's position is consistent and clear," the spokesperson pointed out, stressing China respects all countries' sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity and upholds the purposes and principles of the UN Charter.

After the Soviet Union dissolved, China was one of the first countries that established diplomatic ties with the countries concerned, Mao pointed out.

Since the establishment of diplomatic ties with these countries, China has followed the principles of mutual respect and equality in developing friendly and cooperative bilateral relations with them, she added.

Mao made it clear that China respects the status of the former Soviet republics as sovereign countries after the Soviet Union's dissolution. 

"As to the Ukraine issue, China's position is clear and consistent. We will continue to work with the international community to make our own contribution to facilitating a political settlement of the Ukraine crisis," said Mao.