ISTANBUL

China on Monday slammed what it called “irresponsible” remarks by Estonia's Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna.

“Most of Russian leader Vladimir Putin's allies are now dead, in hell, or in prison. ... A few remain. North Korea remains, let’s say China too; maybe a few others. But generally, the point of this narrative, without any joking, is that Putin's authority is falling apart," Tsahkna said on Thursday, according to the Estonian Public Broadcasting.

Reacting to the statement, China’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said: “China has all along developed friendly cooperative relations with all countries in the world, including Russia, under the principles of mutual respect, equality, and mutual benefit.”

“We hope the Estonian side will view China-Russia relations from an objective and rational perspective and not make irresponsible remarks,” said Guo, according to a transcript of his news conference.

About Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s comment that Beijing and Moscow share the closest strategic coordination, including defending international rule and order, Guo said China’s relations with Russia were “based on the principle of non-alliance, non-confrontation, and not targeting any third party.”

Asked whether Beijing “can approve Moscow’s approach and ... actions in Ukraine,” Guo said: “China’s position on the Ukraine crisis is consistent and clear, with the four points about what should be done on the Ukraine crisis put forward by President Xi Jinping as our fundamental guidance.”

"Beijing also released the document, China’s Position on the Political Settlement of the Ukraine Crisis, I believe you are familiar with all this,” he said, responding to a question by Ukrinform News Agency.​​​​​​​

In its four principles to resolve the Ukraine crisis, Beijing has urged upholding peace and stability, opposition to "seeking selfish gains," cooling down the situation, and not adding fuel to the fire.

Besides, Beijing has emphasized the need to create conditions for the restoration of peace and refraining from further exacerbating tensions, as well as reducing the negative impact on the world economy and refraining from undermining the stability of global industrial and supply chains.