China urges russia to refrain from escalating hostilities following threats of “systematic bombing” of Kyiv

"China's position on the Ukrainian crisis is consistent and clear. We believe that dialogue and negotiations are the only viable way to resolve the conflict", - the state news agency China News Network quoted Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning as saying during a regular press briefing.

Commenting on threats by the russian federation to carry out "systematic strikes on targets in Kyiv", the diplomat called on the "relevant parties" to refrain from escalating military actions.

"We urge the relevant parties to work together to bring an end to the escalation as soon as possible and create conditions for the resumption of dialogue and negotiations", - she said, without answering a question about whether China would evacuate the staff of its embassy in Kyiv.

As previously reported, russia officially declared its intention to conduct systematic heavy strikes on Kyiv, allegedly targeting defense industry facilities and "decision-making centers".