Ukrainians can resolve their own problems: China

BEIJING - A Foreign Ministry spokesman said on Friday that China believes the Ukrainian people are able to resolve their problems themselves, as protestors in Crimea call for a referendum over the future status of the Crimea Autonomous Republic in southern Ukraine.

"China's stance is consistent," Qin Gang said at a daily news briefing when asked if China has adjusted its position on the situation in Ukraine.

China has said it respects Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity in a string of bilateral political documents inked since the two countries established diplomatic relations.

"We believe that the Ukrainian people have the ability to resolve the problems the country is faced with," said the spokesman.