China said that it is willing to play a constructive role in resolving the Ukraine crisis, which imploded after Russia annexed Crimea in 2014. The assurance was given by Chinese President Xi Jingping to his Ukrainian counterpart during a meeting held at the ongoing World Economic Forum in Switzerland.

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"We genuinely hope that Ukraine maintains social stability and economic development, and are willing to play a constructive role in promoting a political resolution to the crisis," an official statement quoted Xi as saying.

This is the first time that China has shown any positive interest in the Ukraine crisis. The Asian country so far has walked tightly over the issue as it clearly did not want to alienate its communist ally Russia.

Although China and Russia do not exactly share a very cordial relationship, both communist nations have entered a deal to a form formidable alliance for countering western hegemony in the region.  

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko and Xi also held discussions on economic cooperation during the meeting.

Poroshenko told his Chinese counterpart that Ukraine was completely supportive of Chinese investment and there is a great potential for enhanced cooperation in areas such as logistics, ports, steel, and agriculture, as per the statement issued by Chinese foreign ministry.

China's unexpected interest in the Ukraine crisis comes exactly a day after US Vice President Joe Biden paid a final visit to Ukraine, with Biden urging the incoming Trump administration to continue with the Russian sanctions.    

Russia's decision to militarily intervene in the Ukraine crisis in March 2014 caused a huge international uproar, with most western countries unilaterally opposing Moscow's move.  

TagsChina and Ukraine, Ukraine, Ukraine crisis, Petro Poroshenko and Xi Jingping, china