China not taking sides on Ukraine

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 has 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 Ukraine war. The US Treasury Department said it was the first time the US had sanctioned Chinese entities directly developing and producing complete weapons systems in partnership with Russian firms.

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

"Let me stress that China is not a creator of or a party to the Ukraine crisis. We are always committed to promoting talks for peace and playing a constructive role for the political settlement," she said.

The spokesperson said China exercised strict export control over dual-use articles, including drones, and opposed using civilian drones for military purposes.

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 September 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 to the Brazilian presidency.

Representatives from 17 Global South countries, including Egypt, South Africa, Indonesia, Turkiye, Mexico and other countries attended the meeting. France, Hungary and Switzerland sent observers.

A joint communique was released after the meeting urging adherence to the UN Charter, respect for sovereignty, de-escalation of the conflict and prevention of battlefield spillover. It emphasized avoiding the use or threat of weapons of mass destruction, particularly nuclear, chemical and biological weapons, and called for efforts to prevent nuclear proliferation.

Switzerland's foreign affairs ministry expressed support for the China-led peace plan following the meeting.

"We took part in this meeting as an observer and we support this dynamic," Nicolas Bideau, chief spokesperson for the Foreign Affairs Ministry, told Reuters. "For us, this translates into a significant change in our view of these initiatives," Bideau said. "A concrete diplomatic effort organized by the Sino-Brazilian group could be of interest to us."

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky questioned China's and Brazil's efforts, asking why they were proposing an alternative to his peace plan.

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.

"The group will work flexibly, engage in inclusive dialogue and maintain open communication with all parties. It welcomes like-minded countries, especially those from the Global South, to join efforts for peace," Geng said.

China's stance on the Ukraine issue remains consistent, which is to achieve a ceasefire and a political resolution, Geng emphasized.

He noted that China has put forward four principles emphasizing that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries should be respected, and that the purposes and principles of the UN Charter should be upheld.

China released a paper stating its position on the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis. In May, a six-point consensus was jointly issued by China and Brazil.

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

"We hope the US representative will correctly understand these efforts and join this positive political process," the Chinese ambassador said.