Normal economic and trade cooperation between China and Russia should not be disturbed or restricted, said Foreign Ministry Spokesman Lin Jian at a press briefing in Beijing on Friday.
Lin made the comments in response to the remarks by European Union ministers on China's provision of components to Russia that could be used to make weapons.
"China is neither a party to nor a participant in the Ukraine crisis. We have always upheld an objective and impartial stance, actively promoted peace talks, and never added fuel to the fire or profited from it. China and Russia have the right to carry out normal economic and trade cooperation, which should not be disturbed or restricted," said Lin.
"The United States, the EU and other countries still trade with Russia. Relevant parties should reflect on the root causes of the crisis and take real action to achieve peace instead of shifting blame onto China," added the spokesman.
Normal China-Russia trade cooperation should not be disturbed: spokesman
An exhibition featuring Dunhuang artwork by Chang Shana, a 94-year-old renowned artist who dedicated her life to the promotion of Dunhuang art held its opening ceremony in Beijing on Monday.
The exhibition under the theme of "everlasting beauty of Dunhuang—the exhibition of Chang Shana's eighty years of art and design" was organized by the China National Arts and Crafts Museum, also known as the China Intangible Cultural Heritage Museum.
A total of 396 pieces of Chang's works since 1945 have been exhibited, including her copies of Dunhuang murals and her sketches of floral patterns and architectures. Many of these works are displayed for the first time.
Chang's passion for Dunhuang culture promotion was inspired by her father Chang Shuhong (1904-1994), who is often referred to as the pioneer of introducing Dunhuang art. She started studying ancient Chinese murals at a young age and learned to combine traditional decorative patterns with modern design concepts.
"I followed in my father's steps to promote the culture of Dunhuang through the exhibition, 'everlasting beauty of Dunhuang'. My father kept telling me that I should never forget I have my root in Dunhuang. It is never too late to promote the culture there. I will keep doing that as long as can move around," Chang said.
Chang's contribution has won the recognition of the art community as she was awarded the lifetime achievement award by the China Federation of Literary and Art Circles, the highest accolade in the art community.
"Ms Chang has dedicated her whole lifetime to put Dunhuang art patterns into such categories as character, costume, jewelry, animals, plants and architecture. What's the point of doing all this? Well, it helps we Chinese people to trace our cultural roots," said Cui Donghui, deputy dean of the School of Architecture of the Central Academy of Fine Arts.
Chang, a true believer in the idea that designers should always keep up with the times, hopes to reach out specifically to young audience through this exhibition and let more people get a glimpse of the beauty of Chinese culture and apply it in their lives.
Dunhuang, a city in west China's Gansu Province, boasts distinctive culture that is best represented by the Mogao Grottoes, designated by UNESCO as a world heritage site. Dating back to the 4th century, the site features 735 caves carved into a cliff, currently housing more than 2,000 colorful sculptures and 45,000 square meters of murals.
Renowned artist's dedication to promotion of Dunhuang art displayed in Beijing
