China respects Ukraine's choice: envoy

UNITED NATIONS - A Chinese envoy said on Wednesday that China respects the Ukrainian people's choice in the country's presidential election and will continue to play a constructive role in settling the Ukraine crisis.

Poroshenko takes early lead in Ukraine's presidential vote

Wang Min, China's deputy permanent representative to the UN, made the remarks while addressing an open meeting of the Security Council on the situation in the Eastern European country.

"China has taken note of the presidential election held in Ukraine on May 25 and respects the choice made by the Ukrainian people," Wang told the 15-member Council.

"At present, the continuing turbulence and occasional outbreaks of conflict and violence have caused heavy casualties and lots of lives, which is a matter of deep concern to China," he said.

Wang stressed that China consistently stands for the principles of non-interference in the internal affairs of any country and respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries including Ukraine.

"China urges all parties in Ukraine to remain calm, exercise restraint, immediately put an end to violence, avoid harming innocent people, and prevent a further escalation of the tension," he said. "China hopes to see an earlier restoration of stability as well as law and order in the country."

The Chinese envoy also noted that the Ukraine crisis is the result of a complex fabric of historical factors and ethnic conflicts, adding that a political solution is the only way out of the crisis.

"We hope that all the parties will stick to dialogue and negotiation, push forward the process of resolving Ukrainian crisis through political means, and fully accommodate the legitimate rights, interests and aspirations of various regions and ethnic groups within Ukraine as well as the legitimate concerns of all parties concerned, with a view to achieving a balance of interests for all," Wang said.

"It is a matter of priority that all parties forsake the practice of threats and sanctions, and return to the consensus of the four-party Geneva talks to ensure its full implementation," he said.

He went on to urge all parties to resume the four-party talks based on the Geneva agreement, so as to give full play to the role of political dialogue and negotiation in settling the crisis, seek common ground, and avoid conflict and confrontation.

Furthermore, the Chinese ambassador reiterated that his country has taken a fair and impartial approach in addressing the issue of Ukraine.

"China has put forward a three-point proposal on seeking a political solution to the Ukrainian crisis and has been working in its own way on the concerned parties," Wang said.

"China is positive to all options that are conducive to easing the tension and promoting the political settlement," he added. "We are willing to continue playing a constructive role."