BEIJING: China has called for “direct dialogue” between Ukraine and Russia, saying Beijing is willing to play its part to “build bridges” to bring the two sides to the dialogue table to end the conflict now in its third year.
At a United Nations Security Council meeting, the Chinese envoy to the UN, Geng Shuang, emphasized the importance of maintaining calm and strengthening direct communication between the parties involved in the Ukraine conflict. Geng highlighted China’s commitment to maintaining contact with all stakeholders and working towards a ceasefire and an end to the war, underscoring the need for a political settlement of the crisis.
The call for peace talks comes amid a renewed diplomatic effort by Beijing, as China’s special representative for Eurasian affairs, Li Hui, embarks on a second shuttle diplomacy trip within a year. Li’s mission aims to promote a diplomatic resolution to the conflict, with recent stops in Moscow, Brussels, Kyiv, and Warsaw, and upcoming visits planned to Paris and Berlin.
China’s Efforts to Resolve Ukraine Conflict
China’s efforts to foster peace include working on the possibility of inviting Russia to a Ukraine peace summit hosted by Switzerland, as reported earlier.
Meanwhile, EU officials have urged China to restrict exports of dual-use equipment to Russia. Li, in turn, emphasized China’s opposition to such measures and urged Europe to cease weapon shipments to Ukraine to facilitate negotiations.
While divisions persist, both the EU and Ukraine have sought China’s influence on Russia. In discussions with Ukrainian officials, Li explored avenues for China’s assistance in resolving humanitarian issues, including the forced deportation of Ukrainian children. Additionally, Li was briefed on missile wreckage allegedly manufactured by North Korea, highlighting China’s role as a key player in the region.
