WASHINGTON (Reuters] – The Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated to European leaders on Friday that China values sovereignty of all countries, even Ukraine, and that Russia must address its concerns over NATO’s eastern expansion.

After receiving warnings from Western leaders for weeks, Russian President Vladimir Putin declared an invasion against Ukraine. This was the most serious attack on Europe since World War Two.

China and Russia signed a strategic partnership several weeks prior to the invasion. Beijing so far has not condemned Moscow’s actions.

Wang indicated that China was unhappy with the situation in Ukraine and would encourage Russia to have a dialogue as soon as they can.

According to China’s Foreign Ministry statement, Wang claimed that China “firmly advocates respecting & safeguarding the sovereignty & territorial integrity of every country.” The same applies to Ukraine.

Wang had separate phone calls with British Foreign secretary Liz Truss, Josep Borrell (EU foreign affairs chief) and a French presidential advisor.

According to Wang, “Given the five consecutive rounds NATO’s Eastward Expansion, Russia’s legitimate Security Needs should be taken seriously” and addressed in a statement.

On Friday, the U.N. Security Council would vote on a resolution that condemned Moscow’s invasion.

Russia will likely veto this measure. Wang also stated that China had historically opposed Council resolutions that included sanctions or used force. He stated that the Council should work to reduce tensions and not fuel them.

Joe Biden, President of the United States, said Thursday that Russia would attack Ukraine’s sovereignty and Washington warned Chinese businesses they will suffer if they attempt to help Moscow escape export restrictions.