China did not Declare its Support of Russian Annexation of Crimea

Russian news agency ITAR-TASS published news about China allegedly supporting Russian position on Crimea. “China is against the declaration of independence by any ethnic groups through referendums, but this does not apply to Crimea,” stated, according to ITAR-TASS, the Deputy Director-General of the Department of European-Central Asian Affairs in Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs Gui Congyou.

“We should take a very careful and well-considered attitude to tackling nationalities’ issues. We are against any nationality gaining independence through referendums. As far as Crimea is concerned, it has very special features. We know well the history of Crimea’s affiliation,” allegedly said Gui Congyou.

This information was refuted by Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. An extract from it was posted in Twitter by the spokesman of Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ievgenii Perebyinis.

«The translation of extract from Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, revealing the lie of Russian mass media. Regards to ITAR-TASS. Will you refute or act as always?» — wrote the spokesman.

It should be noted, that the interview materials, published by Russian mass media contain deviations, which feature dishonest manipulations of quotes, which makes them improper. Among major ones are the following:

1. Concerning the quote, published by Russian mass media “Chinese side fully understands the challenges and threats, which Russia faces in Ukrainian question”, in fact, Chinese side stated the following: “Chinese side deeply understands the challenges and hardships Russia faces in Ukrainian question and supports Russia’s efforts to promote political solution to Ukrainian crisis on the basis of Minsk agreements. ”
2. Concerning the quote, published by Russian mass media “Stands against interference into internal policy of Ukraine by overthrowing Ukrainian political authorities”, in fact, Chinese side stated the following: “Chinese side does not want to see military conflicts in Ukraine and suggests to solve Ukrainian crisis peacefully, using policy, Chinese side is against interference into internal policy of Ukraine by overthrowing Ukrainian political authorities. ”
3. Concerning the quote, published by Russian mass media “We are against any nationality gaining independence through referendums. As far as Crimea is concerned, it has very special features. We know well the history of Crimea’s affiliation”, in fact, Chinese side did not state anything of this kind “…As far as Crimea is concerned, it has very special features. We know well the history of Crimea’s affiliation. ”
4. Concerning the quote, published by Russian mass media “Chinese side does not exclude Crimea’s taking part in the project of Silk Road Economic Belt”, in fact, Chinese side stated the following: “Chinese side welcomes the participation of all Russian regions in Silk Road Economic Belt”, Crimea was not mentioned.