“China adheres to the position of objectivity and fairness with regard to the Ukrainian problem. We respect the independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine,” Li said at a Sunday press conference in Beijing.
He added Biejing hoped that the crisis in Ukraine and the Crimean issue would eventually be resolved through dialogue.
Answering a question on whether China considered Ukraine's former republic of Crimea a part of Russia or Ukraine, the prime minister said that, "this problem is rooted in many complex factors. We also hope that this problem will be resolved through dialogue."
Until now, Beijing has been reluctant to speak out on Crimea's controversial reunification with Russia, after it drove a wedge between Russia and the West. Last year saw China and its neighbor strengthen their cooperation, specifically on energy deliveries.
