The Chinese Foreign Ministry urged all parties involved in the Ukraine crisis to show restraint and to avoid strikes on civilians. This was conveyed during a briefing by Mao Ning, the ministry’s official spokesperson. Her remarks were reported by RIA Novosti and circulated by other outlets friendly to state media networks.
Mao Ning stressed that China’s position on the Ukraine conflict remains steady and unequivocal. She called on the relevant actors to exercise maximum restraint, to stop attacks on civilian targets, and to safeguard civilian lives. The emphasis, she noted, is on preserving civilian safety as a fundamental humanitarian concern amid a tense regional context.
The spokesperson reiterated that Beijing views negotiations as the sole viable path to resolving the Ukrainian crisis. China hopes that all sides will commit to dialogue and take concrete steps to reduce tensions, deescalate the situation, and create conditions conducive to a political settlement that respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.
Prior to these comments, Mao Ning did not publicly address the participation of China in negotiations linked to the so-called Zelensky formula, a framework previously discussed by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. She underscored that China’s basic stance on Ukraine remains unchanged, emphasizing a peaceful, negotiated settlement rather than any escalation or unilateral moves.
Earlier statements from Beijing had referred to the conflict entering a new phase, signaling an attentive assessment of evolving dynamics on the ground while reaffirming the belief that diplomacy should prevail. The Chinese position continues to advocate for dialogue as the most constructive route to resolve differences, with a focus on protecting civilians and avoiding actions that could deepen harm or complicate reconciliation efforts.