China maintains communication on possible peace talk in Switzerland on Ukraine crisis: Diplomat
China’s Special Representative on Eurasian Affairs Li Hui, who just concluded the second round of shuttle mediation between Russia, Ukraine and other European countries, delivered a briefing in Beijing on Friday, saying that China has communicated with Switzerland on a potential peace talk conference, and that any peace talks should be recognized by both Ukraine and Russia.
The briefing was attended by diplomats and embassy representatives in Beijing from 78 countries and regions including Russia, Ukraine, Germany, France and EU. At a time when the Russia-ukraine conflict has been escalating as it enters its third year, as permanent member of the UN Security Council and a responsible country, China has always been committed to mediating and promoting peace, and never standing by idly, Li said.
As the conflict continues to deteriorate, with no signs of tension easing, the most urgent task now is to launch the peace talk as soon as possible, the Chinese diplomat said. Li visited Russia, the EU headquarters, Poland, Ukraine, Germany and France from March 2 to 12, and held talks with relevant parties on the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis, had an in-depth exchange of views, and traveled intensively to mediate among different parties and convey information.
All sides attached high importance to Li’s visit and commended China’s effort of promoting talks for peace, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said.
“The purpose of our diplomatic shuttle this time is clear, to engage in in-depth communication with Russia and Ukraine, the two war-engulfed countries, as well as with relevant European nations, and based on the latest developments in the current situation, to jointly seek ways for an early political resolution of the crisis,” Li said.
The Chinese diplomat also shared some prominent impressions about the visit. In Russia, Chinese and Russian diplomats held in-depth conversations and both believed that maintaining dialogue on the main crisis reflects the high-level strategic coordination between the two countries. Russia appreciates China’s efforts in carrying out the second round of shuttle diplomacy during the crisis and recognized that the Ukraine crisis has to be resolved ultimately by negotiation, Li said. The Russian side also raised its own opinions on peace talks, reiterating its willingness to engage in comprehensive negotiations on the Ukraine crisis.
The Chinese diplomat also emphasized that the Ukrainian side also attached great importance to his visit. The Ukrainian side expressed that they highly value the Ukraine-china relations, and are willing to push forward the bilateral relations and trade ties while maintaining people-to-people exchanges.