BEIJING: China concerned about escalation of war in Ukraine, wants Moscow, Kyiv to hold peace talks, senior Chinese diplomat says Gang Qin told his Ukrainian counterpart in a phone call on Thursday.
China, which has refrained from condemning Russia for its invasion of Ukraine, urged both sides to agree to a gradual de-escalation leading to a comprehensive ceasefire in its 12-point document on the “political resolution of the Ukrainian crisis”.
The plan, which received a mixed reception from both sides, called for the protection of civilians and respect for the sovereignty of the other.
“China hopes that all parties will remain calm, rational and restrained, and resume peace talks as soon as possible,” Qin told Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, according to a Chinese Foreign Ministry statement.
Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to visit Russian Vladimir Putin as early as next week and hold a virtual meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Analysts say it will be difficult for China to bring Russia and Ukraine to the negotiating table, but some have pointed out that Xi could serve as a “side channel” to build momentum towards the talks.
China, which has refrained from condemning Russia for its invasion of Ukraine, urged both sides to agree to a gradual de-escalation leading to a comprehensive ceasefire in its 12-point document on the “political resolution of the Ukrainian crisis”.
The plan, which received a mixed reception from both sides, called for the protection of civilians and respect for the sovereignty of the other.
“China hopes that all parties will remain calm, rational and restrained, and resume peace talks as soon as possible,” Qin told Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, according to a Chinese Foreign Ministry statement.
Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to visit Russian Vladimir Putin as early as next week and hold a virtual meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Analysts say it will be difficult for China to bring Russia and Ukraine to the negotiating table, but some have pointed out that Xi could serve as a “side channel” to build momentum towards the talks.
