Russia ally China to send humanitarian aid to Ukraine

China Foreign Minister Wang Yi says his country will send humanitarian aid to Ukraine "as soon as possible," amid strategic ally Russia's invasion of that country.

However, in the foreign minister's announcement Tuesday he also said China's relationship with Russia remains "rock solid."

Communist Party-led Chia has not condemned Russia's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine and has asked that Western nations to respect Russia's "legitimate security concerns."

In describing the situation in Ukraine, Wang used the traditional Chinese expression, "three feet of ice does not form in a single day," meaning that the dynamics of the region are complex and did not develop instantly. 

China, according to Wang, has maintained contact with both sides of the war and has done "some work" to promote peace talks.

"China is willing to continue to play a constructive role in pushing for peace and promoting talks, and is willing to work with the international community to carry out necessary mediation when needed," he said.

"Humanitarian action," according to China, must exist inside parameters of neutrality and impartiality as military conflict rages on. 

Last month, Russian leader Vladimir Putin met with Chinese President Xi Jinping prior to the opening of the Beijing Winter Olympics. The two leaders signed a wide-ranging strategic partnership agreement designed to counter Western and specifically U.S. forces. 

"“No matter how sinister the international situation is, both China and Russia will maintain their strategic determination and continuously push forward the comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination in the new era," Wang said.