China-Russia relationship all above board

Editor's Note: China's ambassador to Russia, Zhang Hanhui, was interviewed by Rossiya Segodnya International Information Agency on Tuesday. The following are excerpts of Zhang's responses to questions on Sino-Russian ties, the Ukraine crisis, and other issues:

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Russia. China is willing to work with Russia to strengthen multilateral strategic collaboration in BRICS, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and other multilateral fora, and promote reform of the global governance system.

In 2023, China imported 107 million tons of Russian crude oil, a year-on-year increase of 24 percent. It is believed that with the joint efforts of both parties, the Sino-Russian crude oil trade will continue to maintain healthy and stable development in the future.

The US sanctions against Russia have caused certain problems in the trade settlement between China and Russia. But the two sides are currently actively striving to find an effective solution as soon as possible.

Unilateralism and power politics have made the Eurasian continent increasingly unstable.

As permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, China and Russia can work closely together on the international stage to jointly defend true multilateralism, which is conducive to maintaining Eurasian security and global strategic stability.

China is willing to continue to work with Russia to strengthen strategic coordination, join hands in implementing global security initiatives, jointly defend international fairness and justice, and make new contributions to maintaining international and regional security and stability.

It has been more than two years since the crisis in Ukraine erupted. The most urgent thing now is to restore peace. China has always upheld an objective and fair stance on the Ukraine crisis, always stood on the side of peace and dialogue, and actively promoted peace and talks. China has always maintained in-depth communication with both parties, and the international community, and it is playing a constructive role in promoting talks.

Not long ago, China carried out the second round of shuttle diplomacy and had in-depth exchanges with Russia, Ukraine and relevant European countries on how to achieve an early ceasefire and end the war and promote a political settlement of the crisis.

Under the current situation, in order to prevent the conflict from spiraling out of control, all parties should work together to restore peace at an early date. China supports the timely convening of an international peace conference recognized by both Russia and Ukraine, with equal participation by all relevant parties, and fair discussion of all peace plans.

China is willing to continue to play its unique role and contribute Chinese wisdom and strength to promote the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis.