China's Foreign Ministry's Spokesperson, Zhao Lijian, asserted on Wednesday that China will protect its interests against any potential damage that may result from the US' sanctions against Russia amid its special military operation in Ukraine.

White House spokesperson Jen Psaki had said earlier this week that the US might "take steps" against China if it does not join it in sanctioning Russia.

“Sanctions have never been an effective way to resolve issues. China firmly opposes any unilateral sanctions by the United States and its application of extraterritorial jurisdiction," Zhao said during a briefing.

He further noted that the US should take China's concerns seriously, and refrain from damaging Beijing's rights or interests while making decisions with regards to Russia and Ukraine.

"China will take all necessary measures to protect the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises and individuals," the diplomat added.

On Monday, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi commented on the state of Russia-China ties, calling Moscow Beijing’s “most important strategic partner.” The relationship remains “one of the most crucial bilateral relationships in the world,” and one “conducive to world peace, stability, and development,” he said.
 
“No matter how perilous the international landscape is, we will maintain our strategic focus and promote the development of a comprehensive China-Russia partnership in the new era. The friendship between the two peoples is ironclad, and both sides’ future cooperation prospects are tremendous,” he said.

China hopes upcoming Russia-Ukraine meeting defuses tensions

Zhao further said that it hopes the meeting set to be hosted by Turkey later this week, which will bring together the Russian and Ukrainian foreign ministers, will contribute to an early settlement of the Ukrainian crisis, and will reduce tensions between Kiev and Moscow.

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova told Sputnik radio station on Wednesday that Kiev affirmed that a meeting between Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba and his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov will take place on Thursday, on the sidelines of a diplomatic forum in Turkey's Antalya.

Furthermore, Zakharova went on to say that "we believe that since Ukraine has confirmed it, the meeting will indeed take place, particularly because it was initiated by Turkey, the host of the event on the sidelines of which the meeting is expected to be held.”

The Chinese Foreign Ministry's position on the "Ukrainian issue is clear and consistent."

"We hope that all parties concerned can intensify their efforts in contributing to reconciliation and advancement of negotiations, contribute to a reduction of tensions and an early peaceful resolution of the Ukrainian issue," Zhao said.