BEIJING: China is concerned about an escalation of war in Ukraine and wants Moscow and Kiev to hold peace talks, senior Chinese diplomat says Qin gang his Ukrainian counterpart said in a phone call on Thursday.
China, which has refrained from condemning Russia for its invasion of Ukraine, has urged both sides to agree to a gradual de-escalation leading to a comprehensive ceasefire in its 12-point document on the “Political Solution of the Ukraine Crisis”.
The plan, which received lukewarm reception on both sides, called for protection of civilians and respect for each other’s sovereignty.
“China hopes that all parties remain calm, rational and restrained and resume peace talks as soon as possible,” Qin told Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, according to a statement from China’s foreign ministry.
Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to visit Russia’s Vladimir Putin next week and hold a virtual meeting with the Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky.
Analysts say it will be difficult for China to bring Russia and Ukraine to the negotiating table, but some pointed out that Xi could act as a “back channel” to gain momentum towards talks.