China has criticized the harsh sanctions imposed by Washington on Moscow over the conflict in Ukraine, saying that the restrictions were the wrong tool to defuse the ongoing crisis.
“Escalating sanctions isn’t helping to alleviate the situation, but is only creating new problems for the world in the midst of an epidemic,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian told a daily media briefing on Monday.
Washington should promote peace with practical steps, instead of trying to use sanctions to preserve its “hegemonic position” and make “illegal gains,” he added.
Zhao reiterated Beijing’s position that the conflict between Kiev and Moscow should be settled through dialogue.
“We encourage both sides to maintain the momentum of the negotiations and strive for results and peace,” he said, adding that China is willing to play a constructive role in this process.