China Stresses Friendship with Ukraine, Vows to ‘Never Attack’

China’s foreign ministry showed support for Ukraine, on Thursday, and promised to never attack the war-torn country.

Ambassador Fan Xianrong had told Lviv Governor Maksym Kozytskyi during a meeting that his country was a “friendly country for the Ukrainian people” and would “never attack Ukraine,” according to a summary posted on the Lviv government’s website.

Moreover, he hailed the strength and unity demonstrated by the Ukrainian people, highlighting their efforts to resist Russia’s ongoing invasion.

Asked about Fan’s comments at a news conference Thursday, Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said: “China surely supports these remarks by our ambassador in Ukraine. China supports all efforts that are conducive to easing the situation and for a political settlement.”

The foreign ministry has previously noted that Beijing would support Russian demands all the way.

Also, the Asian country refused to portray the Russian military operations in Ukraine as an “invasion,” which suggests a Chinese aim to stick to Russia’s narrative over the rapid developments.