国内英语新闻:China urges political resolution to Crimean issue

BEIJING, March 19 (Xinhua) -- China on Wednesday reiterated that the Crimean issue should be resolved politically, urging all parties concerned to refrain from raising tensions.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei made the remarks at a daily press briefing in response to a question about Russia's acceptance of the Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol as its territory on Tuesday.

China always respects all countries' sovereignty and territorial integrity, said Hong.

Stressing that China has already stated its position and principle on the Crimea issue, Hong said China believes the issue should be resolved politically under the framework of law and order.

China calls on all parties to keep calm, exercise restraint and refrain from raising tensions, said Hong, adding that the international community should play a constructive role.

Asked for comments on Russian President Vladimir Putin's expression of thanks to China for its support in his unscheduled address to a joint session of parliament in the Kremlin on Tuesday, Hong said China "has been just and objective" on the Crimean issue.

"Due to complex historical and practical factors, we should take everything into consideration when dealing with the Crimean issue," said Hong.

The issue should be resolved politically on the basis of considering reasonable concerns and the rights of all relevant parties, he said.

Russia on Saturday vetoed a UN Security Council draft resolution that declared invalid a planned referendum in Crimea on whether to break away from Ukraine and join Russia.

Thirteen countries in the 15-member Security Council voted in favor of the draft resolution, while China, a permanent Security Council member, abstained.