China willing to mediate in Ukraine crisis: Wang Yi

China on Monday said it is willing to play a  constructive role to facilitate dialogue for peace and work alongside the international community  when needed to carry out necessary mediation _ said Foreign Minister Wang Yi when asked about Russia's war on Ukraine.

 Calm and rational mind are needed rather than pouring oil on the fire_ Wang said_ calling the situation  complicated which requires more dialogue.

Addressing the Foreign Ministry s annual news conference in Beijing_ Wang said:  China believes that to resolve the current crisis we must uphold the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and respect and protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries.

 We must adhere to the principle of individual security and accommodate the legitimate security concerns of the parties involved. We must settle disputes by peaceful means through dialogue and negotiation_ he added.

Calling for dialogue and cooperation between China and Europe_ Wang said:  The basis of mutual respect and mutual benefit will add more stabilizing factors to an unstable world.

He said Beijing will send humanitarian aid to Ukraine_ but attempts to  politicize humanitarian assistance should be avoided.

Russia's war on Ukraine has been met with outrage from the international community_ with the European Union_ UK_ and US_ among others_ imposing a range of economic sanctions on Moscow.

At least 364 civilians have been killed and 759 others injured in Ukraine since Russia launched a war against the Eastern European country on Feb. 24_ according to UN figures_ with the real toll feared to be higher.

More than 1.5 million people have fled Ukraine to neighboring countries_ according to the UN Refugee Agency.

On China-US relations_ Wang repeated the two countries need to  replace the  competitive-collaborative-adversarial trichotomy with the three principles of mutual respect_ peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation."

The Chinese foreign minister stressed there is no comparison between the "Ukraine crisis" and Taiwan issue.

 Those talking of Ukraine's sovereignty undermine China s sovereignty_ he said_ calling Taiwan as an "inalienable part" of China.

 These are double standards_ he said.  Some forces in the US have condoned separatists in Taiwan to undermine rejuvenation of China.

As the world focuses on the Russia-Ukraine war_ observers are also closely watching China's moves regarding Taiwan_ which it sees as a breakaway province.

Taipei_ however_ has insisted on its independence since 1949 and maintains diplomatic relations with at least 14 countries.

"Taiwan s future and hope lies in the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations and reunification with the mainland_" Wang said.

On relations with India_ Wang said the border tensions  should not affect bigger picture.

 Some forces always seek to stoke tensions between India and China (but) only by staying independent can both firmly grasp our destiny_ he said.

Calling for aiding Afghanistan during its  critical moments when it is facing humanitarian crisis_ Wang called out Washington for  leaving Afghanistan irresponsibly.

He called for  unconditionally returning Afghan assets and lifting unilateral sanctions.