China urges political solution to Ukraine crisis

China on Friday urged all parties concerned to seek a political solution to the deteriorating Ukraine crisis "through dialogue not confrontation."

Liu Jieyi, China's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, made the remarks as the Security Council convened its second urgent session this week on the situation in Ukraine.

"In recent days, the situation in parts of eastern and southern Ukraine has escalated and caused casualties, which is a matter of deep concern to China," Liu told the 15-member Council.

"China has indicated on many occasions its principled position on the Ukraine issue," he said. "We hope that the parties concerned would keep in mind the interests of all ethnic communities in Ukraine and the larger picture of peace and stability in the region, exercise calm and restraint, and prevent the situation from further deterioration."

In his speech, the Chinese envoy stressed that a political solution is the only way out of the Ukraine crisis.

"In order to tackle the crisis at its root, both historical and current developments have to be taken into account," Liu said.

He went on to say that a fundamental settlement of the crisis needs to fully accommodate the legitimate rights, interests and aspirations of all regions and ethnic communities within Ukraine, as well as the legitimate concerns of all parties, so as to achieve a balance among interests of all parties.

Liu also noted that various parties including China have worked actively to promote peace and facilitate negotiations for some time.

The United States, Russia, Ukraine, and the European Union concluded Geneva talks on Ukraine after reaching an agreement on April 17, calling for an immediate halt of violence in Ukraine and practical steps to de-escalate the tension.

"We hope the parties concerned will stick to dialogue and consultations, effectively implement the agreement already reached and continue to push for a political solution of the crisis, in order to realize as soon as possible the stability and development in Ukraine," Liu said.

"China calls on all parties to seek a political solution through dialogue, not confrontation," he said, adding that his country will continue to support the international mediation efforts conducive to de-escalating the situation and seeking a political solution.