China rejects calling Russia move in Ukraine 'invasion'

China rejected calling Russia's moves on Ukraine an "invasion" and urged all sides to exercise restraint, even as it advised its citizens there to stay home or at least take the precaution of displaying a Chinese flag if they needed to drive anywhere.

Russian forces on Thursday fired missiles at several cities in Ukraine and landed troops on its coast, officials and media said, after President Vladimir Putin authorised what he called a special military operation in the east.

During a packed daily media briefing in Beijing, Hua Chunying, spokesperson at China's foreign ministry, bridled at journalists' characterisation of Russia's actions.

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