BEIJING, Mar 3 : China is ready to continue its efforts to promote a political solution to the Ukrainian crisis and act as a mediator between Moscow, Kiev and other interested parties, Chinese Special Representative on Eurasian Affairs Li Hui has said.
“Historical experience shows that any conflict must ultimately be resolved through negotiation. The more acute the contradiction, the less we can give up on efforts to negotiate. The Chinese side is willing to continue to make efforts for peace and negotiations, to act as a mediator between Russia, Ukraine and other parties, and to build consensus and promote a final political solution to the Ukrainian crisis,” Li was quoted as saying by the Chinese Foreign Ministry at talks with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin in Moscow.
Li started his second big European tour on Saturday, which includes visits to Russia, Ukraine, the EU headquarters, Poland, Germany and France. The previous trip took place in May 2023, after which Beijing released a 12-point document titled “China’s Position on the Political Settlement of the Ukraine Crisis.” The document stressed respect for the sovereignty of all countries, called for a cessation of hostilities, and the resumption of peace talks between Moscow and Kiev.
Moscow launched its special military operation in Ukraine on February 24, 2022. Russian and Ukrainian delegations engaged in several rounds of peace talks, including in Turkey in March 2022, in the early days of the conflict. In October 2022, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a decree stating that Kiev could not hold peace talks as long as President Vladimir Putin is in power in Russia. (UNI)