Foreign Ministers Meet, Wang Warns NATO Against Asian Involvement

(MNI) London - Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, hosting his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov in Beijing, states that with regards the the war in Ukraine, "China's position is objective and clear, we support the holding of [a] timely conference between Russia and Ukraine", adds that the talks must recognise the "equal participation of all parties" and discuss "all peace proposals" on an "equal footing".

• Wires report Wang saying that "NATO should not extend its hand to our common homeland, and any words and deeds of division and confrontation have no market and no future in the Asia-Pacific region".
• Following the talks, Lavrov claimedthat the two sides agreed to discuss deeper security cooperation in Eurasia, saying the two countries would "start a dialogue with the involvement of our other like-minded people on this issue".
• Lavrov's visit comes as US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen returns home following her own visit. At last weeks NATO Foreign Ministers' meeting Secretary of State Anthony Blinken warned colleagues that "China continues to provide materials to support Russia's defense industrial base." Yellen is believed to have sought to dissuade China from aiding Russia's military procurement.
• Wang: "Should also attach importance to the resolution of other global and regional hotspot issues, including continuing to fight terrorism...International community should resolutely combat terrorism in all its forms with a zero tolerance attitude, firmly support the efforts of all parties to safeguard national security and stability".