Answering questions by mass media representatives at a press conference on 19 March 2014, Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China Mr. Hong Lei said the following:

“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.”

“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.”

Chinese Foreign Ministry Press Release