Beijing supports all efforts conducive to the peaceful resolution of the "crisis" in Ukraine, Foreign Minister Wang Yi told the United Nations General Assembly, adding that the pressing priority was to facilitate peace talks.

"The fundamental solution is to address the legitimate security concerns of all parties and build a balanced, effective and sustainable security architecture," Wang said in his address on Saturday.

"We call on all parties concerned to keep the crisis from spilling over and protect the legitimate rights and the interests of developing countries."

Wang’s address comes after an acknowledgement last week when Russian President Vladimir Putin said President Xi Jinping had concerns about Ukraine.

Wang also met with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken for 90 minutes in New York on Friday. After the meeting, China accused the United States of sending "very wrong, dangerous signals" on Taiwan after Blinken told Wang that the maintenance of peace and stability of the island was vitally important.

Tensions over the island have soared after a visit there in August by US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi – which was followed by large-scale mainland military drills – as well as a pledge by US President Joe Biden to defend Taiwan. (Reuters)
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Last updated: 2022-09-25 HKT 11:55