What’s new: China has sent the first batch of humanitarian aid to Ukraine, including food, daily necessities and other supplies, according to Chinese foreign ministry.
At the request of the Ukrainian side, the Red Cross Society will provide humanitarian assistance to Ukraine worth 5 million yuan, consisting of food, daily necessities and other supplies, the ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said during a press conference Wednesday.
The first shipment left Beijing on Wednesday and will be delivered to the Ukrainian Red Cross Society in an appropriate manner as soon as possible, he said.
The background: The announcement came after leaders from China, France and Germany voiced joint support Tuesday for Russia and Ukraine to continue peace talks and reach a negotiated settlement to end the conflict.
Chinese President Xi Jinping said that the pressing task for now is to “prevent the tense situation from escalating or even running out of control.” He also called for “maximum restraint to prevent a massive humanitarian crisis.”
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi also said Monday that safe and smooth humanitarian aid activities, including rapid, safe and unimpeded humanitarian access, should be provided.
Contact reporter Lu Zhenhua (zhenhualu@caixin.com) and editor Michael Bellart (michaelbellart@caixin.com)
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