China calls for intensified diplomatic efforts to end Ukraine crisis

A Chinese envoy on Friday called for intensified diplomatic efforts to end the Ukraine crisis through a political settlement.

The Ukraine crisis continues, resulting in numerous casualties. Continuing to supply weapons to the battlefield will only increase the risk of exacerbating the crisis and will not help to de-escalate the situation or end the fighting, said Geng Shuang, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations.

China once again calls on all parties concerned, in a responsible manner, to intensify diplomatic efforts for a ceasefire and put an end to the fighting, so as to promote an early political settlement of the crisis and bring about peace, he told a Security Council meeting on weapon supplies to Ukraine.

The Ukraine crisis has complex historical and practical causes and is essentially a major outbreak of security conflicts in Europe. China is neither the creator of the crisis nor a participant in the conflict. China has not provided lethal weapons or equipment to any parties involved in the conflict, nor has it done or will it do anything to profit from the crisis, said Geng.

"China's position on the Ukraine issue has always been consistent and clear. We are committed to being an advocate for peace and promoter of peace talks. China supports the timely convening of an international conference recognized by both Russia and Ukraine, with equal participation of all parties to discuss all peace options in a fair manner," he said.

China is ready to provide the necessary conditions for Russia and Ukraine to conduct negotiations, thus making unremitting efforts to achieve an early political settlement of the crisis, said Geng.