Beijing on Thursday denied NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg's accusation of it backing Russia, amid growing international pressure to distance itself from Moscow, AFP reported.

"Accusing China of spreading false information about Ukraine is itself spreading false information. China has always made positive efforts to instate a ceasefire and end the war at an early date, avoid a humanitarian crisis and restore peace and stability in an objective and fair manner. We have always maintained that Ukraine should become a bridge between the East and West, rather than be in the frontline in a game between great powers,” said Wang Wenbin, Deputy Director of the Foreign Ministry Information Department of China.

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"European countries should uphold the principle of Strategic Autonomy and work with relevant countries, including Russia and Ukraine, to build a balanced, effective and sustainable European security structure through dialogue and negotiation upholding the spirit of 'indivisibility of security'. The United States and NATO should also have a dialogue with Russia to solve the core issues behind the Ukrainian crisis," he continued.

He lastly added, “What is needed to resolve the crisis is a calm and rational approach, rather than actions that have the same effect as pouring oil into a fire. Restoring peace requires dialogue and communication, not pressure and coercion. To achieve long-term stability, we need to take care of the reasonable security concerns of all parties, rather than pursuing group confrontation and seeking absolute security. China's position is consistent with the wishes of most countries. Time will prove that China is on the right side of history, and any unwarranted accusations and suspicions against China will be defeated.”

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NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg on Wednesday accused China of giving political backing to Russia as it attacks Ukraine, and warned Beijing against providing material support to Moscow's war effort, according to AFP.

"China has provided Russia with political support, including by spreading blatant lies and misinformation, and allies are concerned that China could provide material support for the Russian invasion," Stoltenberg said ahead of an urgent NATO summit on Thursday.

"I expect leaders will call on China to live up to its responsibilities as a member of the UN Security Council, refrain from supporting Russia's war effort, and join the rest of the world in calling for an immediate, peaceful end to this war."

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