What’s new: China’s foreign ministry said an explosion “shook” the country’s consulate in Odessa, Ukraine, damaging part of the building’s walls and windowpanes during a Russian airstrike on the city Thursday. It confirmed that no one from the consulate was hurt.
The consulate-general’s staff had already left the premises when the explosion occurred, a ministry spokesperson said in a statement late Thursday.
China is following the developments and staying in contact with concerned parties. “We will take all measures necessary to keep Chinese institutions and nationals safe in Ukraine,” the spokesperson said.
The background: Odessa, a major seaport and transport hub in southwestern Ukraine, was hit by Russian drone and missile strikes this week. The multi-day attack has killed at least two people, Odessa’s Governor Oleh Kiper said on Telegram.
The Port of Odessa, located on the Black Sea, is also a key gateway for Chinese textiles bound for the European market.
In May, Beijing sent a peace envoy to meet with senior officials in Ukraine, Russia and several other European countries. After the destruction of the Nova Kakhovka dam in Ukraine in June, China also called for “maximum restraint” to prevent further escalation of the conflict.
Contact reporter Kelly Wang (jingzhewang@caixin.com) and editor Michael Bellart (michaelbellart@caixin.com)
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