Beijing not taking Russian side on Ukraine issue: envoy

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh LI Jiming on Sunday said Beijing is not taking a side of Russia on Ukraine issue, rather China wants a peaceful solution to the ongoing Ukraine crisis through dialogue.

He made the comment as Chinese embassy in Bangladesh hosted an in-person press event titled "Spring Dialogue with China" at a city hotel.

The envoy said China maintains that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries should be respected and protected and the purpose and principles of the UN Charter abided by in real earnest.

The position of China is consistent and clear-cut and applies equally to the Ukraine issue, he said.

Mentioning that both Russia and Ukraine are friends of China, the envoy said China suggested a cool-headed negotiation refraining from emotional attitude regarding the crisis.

Referred to Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen's statement that Bangladesh wants peace, Jiming said China exactly wants the same.

When he was approached to make comment to a recent report carried by Nikkei Asia, titled "India wary of China setting up Bangladesh missile maintenance
hub," the envoy said, China would not build any military base on any foreign land, including Bangladesh.

The Ambassador also shared his thoughts on issues concerning Bangladesh-China relations, Rohingya crisis, infrastructure, trade and investment, QUAD, Indo-Pacific Strategy and Taiwan issues.