China on Thursday refrained from describing Russia's major attack against Ukraine as an "invasion," while urging other countries including the United States to attempt to prevent the situation from getting out of control.
During their telephone talks, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov that Beijing understands Moscow's "reasonable concerns" on security issues related to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, his ministry said.
Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying, however, did not voice support for Russia's military action, saying China believes that the legitimate security concerns of all parties should be respected, in apparent consideration of Ukraine.
South Korea, meanwhile, criticized Russia's launch of an attack against Ukraine following a months-long military buildup on their border, which was called "a full-scale invasion" by Kyiv.
Hua told reporters in Beijing, "China is closely monitoring the latest developments. We hope the region can maintain peace. We also call on all parties to exercise restraint."
She added the issues surrounding Ukraine should be resolved "through dialogue," brushing aside speculation that the Chinese Communist-led government has accepted Russia's military action against the former Soviet republic.
The leadership of President Xi Jinping, which has been trying to deepen cooperation with Russia to counter the United States, has become wary that China's relations with other nations condemning Russia would worsen ahead, some foreign affairs experts say.
Earlier this month, Xi and Russian President Vladimir Putin opposed the expansion of NATO, as Moscow has demanded that it pull back troops and weapons from Eastern Europe.
Nevertheless, China has reiterated that it asks all countries involved in the Ukraine crisis to remain rational and avoid taking measures that would exacerbate tensions.
On Thursday, the Chinese Embassy in Ukraine issued a security alert to its nationals in the nation, advising them to stay at home, according to the Global Times.
The embassy said that in the event of a dangerous situation, Chinese citizens in Ukraine need to ensure personal safety, while reminding them to affix the Chinese national flag on their cars when they travel, the tabloid of the ruling Communist Party reported.
China and the Soviet Union, Russia's predecessor state, were competitors during the Cold War. They were at odds over interpretations and practical applications of Marxism-Leninism, the ideology of 20th-century communism.
But China and Russia have been reinforcing ties in recent years, as their relations with the United States have deteriorated.
In South Korea on Thursday, President Moon Jae In promised that Seoul will join the international community in imposing sanctions on Russia as he expressed regret over Moscow's attack against Ukraine.
"The use of armed forces that cause human casualties cannot be justified under any circumstances. Ukraine's sovereignty and independence should be guaranteed," Park Soo Hyun, senior presidential secretary for public communication, quoted Moon as saying.
Moon added South Korea supports international efforts, including economic sanctions, as a member of the global community to deter further armed invasion and resolve the situation in a peaceful manner, according to Park.
South Korea's Foreign Ministry spokesman Choi Young Sam also told reporters Thursday, "If Russia carries on with an all-out war despite repeated warnings from the international community, our government has no other choice than joining sanctions on Russia including export controls."
Choi added the South Korean government is cooperating closely with the United States and other allies on the issue, while pledging full support to minimize any damage to the Asian country's economy and businesses.
At a meeting of the National Security Council earlier in the day, top officials monitored the fast-changing situation in Ukraine and agreed to make utmost efforts to ensure the safety of South Koreans and companies in that region, according to a statement from the presidential office.
As of Thursday, a total of 64 South Koreans were in the region.
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