What’s new: China would support the convening of a global peace conference that is recognized by both Russia and Ukraine, Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Tuesday.
Such a conference should ensure “equal participation of all parties and fair discussions on all peace plans,” Wang said during a press briefing held with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov in Beijing, according to a statement from China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Reiterating that China hopes to see a ceasefire “as soon as possible” in Ukraine, Wang stressed the need to uphold multilateralism and oppose the establishment of exclusive geopolitical blocs, the statement said.
“Nothing said or done that fans division and confrontation has market or future in Asia-Pacific,” Wang said at the briefing, warning that “NATO should not dip its hand into the common home of countries in this region.”
What’s more: Wang also advocated for greater attention in the fight against terrorism, restating China’s condemnation of the terrorist attack last month that claimed at least 137 lives in Moscow, the statement said.
China’s top diplomat called on the international community to strengthen counterterrorism cooperation to “eliminate the breeding ground for terrorism,” according to the statement.
Since May 2023, Beijing has sent peace envoy Li Hui to Europe for two rounds of mediation aimed at facilitating a political settlement to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which is now in its third year.
Contact reporter Kelly Wang (jingzhewang@caixin.com) and editor Jonathan Breen (jonathanbreen@caixin.com)
