China 'not taking sides' on Ukraine issue

China's envoy to the United Nations on Monday reiterated China's position on the Ukraine issue and called it "objective and fair, not supporting one side or favoring another".

China has consistently adhered to the direction of a political settlement to the Ukraine crisis and maintained contact with all relevant parties, including both Russia and Ukraine, Geng Shuang, China's deputy permanent representative to the UN, told a Security Council meeting on the Ukraine crisis.

"China's position on the Ukraine issue is open and aboveboard, with no intention of seeking self-interest or creating confrontation," said Geng. "China has never supplied weapons to either party, and we have consistent and rigorous controls over dual-use items," he added.

On Thursday, the United States imposed sanctions on two Chinese companies accused of "directly assisting" Russia in developing long-range attack drones used in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

In response, China's Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said China firmly opposes the US imposing illegal unilateral sanctions against Chinese companies and does not accept "groundless" accusations and pressure from the US.

Geng also said China opposes the US using the Ukraine issue to "smear and pressure China, impose illegal unilateral sanctions and long-arm jurisdiction on Chinese entities and individuals".

"China will take all necessary measures to firmly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of its enterprises and citizens," Geng said.

He noted that during the 79th session of the UN General Assembly's General Debate, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held separate meetings with the foreign ministers of Russia and Ukraine.

On Sept 27, a ministerial meeting of the "Friends for Peace" group on the Ukraine crisis took place at the UN headquarters in New York. The meeting was co-chaired by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira, and Celso Amorim, chief advisor of the presidency of Brazil.

The "Friends for Peace" group "does not aim to influence, interfere with, or replace existing platforms or mechanisms, nor to negotiate on behalf of Russia or Ukraine, or impose any peace plan", Geng told the Security Council.

China and several Global South countries initiated the group with a single goal: achieving a peaceful resolution to the Ukraine crisis and restoring peace in Europe, Geng said.