Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Hong Lei held a press conference in Beijing on March 19th.
At the press conference, a correspondent asked two questions about Crimea's secession: First, Russian President Putin signed a treaty on Crimea joining the Russian Federation with Crimean Prime Minister Sergey Aksyonov. What's China's comment on that? Second, President Putin said in a speech on March 18th that he appreciated those who had shown understanding to Russia's actions on Crimea, and that the Chinese government had given careful consideration to the issue of Crimea and Ukraine. What is China's response?
As for these questions, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Hong Lei said: "On your first question, China is consistent in its position of respecting all countries' independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. China has expounded its principled position on the issue of Crimea. We believe that this issue should be resolved politically under a framework of law and order. All parties should exercise restraint and avoid taking actions that may sharpen the dispute. The international community should make constructive efforts in defusing the tension."
"On your second question, it is well known that due to the complex historical and practical factors, we should weigh up and take everything into consideration when dealing with the Crimean issue. China always upholds justice and objectiveness. Under the current circumstances, all parties should exercise restraint, avoid escalation of the tension, and seek a political settlement on the basis of respecting all parties' reasonable concerns and legitimate rights and interests."