China calls for restraint after Russia updates nuclear threshold, Ukraine fires US-made missiles

ISTANBUL / ISLAMABAD

China on Wednesday called for “restraint, de-escalation" and dialogue between Russia and Ukraine after Moscow updated its nuclear policy while Kyiv fired US-made long-range missiles, state media reported.

“Under the current situation, all parties should remain calm and exercise restraint, promoting de-escalation through dialogue and consultation to reduce strategic risks,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian told reporters in Beijing.

Lin was responding to questions about Moscow adjusting its threshold to use nuclear weapons and Kyiv firing long-range missiles inside the Russian territory for the first time since the war, which began in February 2022, hit the 1,000-day mark.

He said that China's position on the Ukraine crisis “is consistent and clear.”

Beijing hopes “for all parties to promote de-escalation and commit to a political solution to the Ukraine crisis,” said Lin, adding China will continue to “play a constructive role in this regard.”