China’s special envoy to the Eurasia region, Li Hui, this Friday acknowledged “difficulties” in convincing Ukraine and Russia to sit down and begin peace negotiations.
“It will be difficult for both sides to sit down at the table. But it is important that someone takes the initiative to create the conditions for an agreement,” the Chinese envoy said at a press conference.
“China is ready to do whatever it takes to move the negotiations forward.” added.
Li, who toured Russia, Ukraine, Poland, France, Germany and Belgium last month, insisted that China maintain an “objective position” on the war in Ukraine and support an end to hostilities.
Beijing’s decision to appoint a special envoy to promote a resolution to the war epitomizes the Asian country’s efforts to assert its leadership in international affairs.
Beijing presents itself as a neutral party and intends to play a mediating role, even if Moscow’s position as a close economic and diplomatic partner makes it unsuitable in the eyes of Western countries.
China has never publicly condemned Russian President Vladimir Putin for its invasion of Ukraine launched on February 24, 2022.
“The trip showed that China is on the side of peace. It is a complex crisis. China did not initiate or fuel this crisis, and the [nosso] goal is to reach an agreement,” Li said.
He said he had a “constructive, in-depth and candid” dialogue with all parties during his visit, who “speak positively” about Beijing’s efforts.
“They recognize our efforts and everyone would like a deal, and China will continue to work in that direction,” he noted.
Li said “Ukraine appreciated China’s respect for the country’s territorial integrity”, while Russia expressed its “wish” that the conditions for peace would be met.
“China’s position is objective and fair no matter who we talk to, and it has the support of the international community,” he said.
“It is necessary to build a climate of peace to prevent the crisis from spreading and that is difficult”
According to Li, the Ukrainian side “supports” and “appreciates” China’s efforts, while there is “an understanding” with European countries for a common opposition to the use of nuclear weapons.
“But the conflict continues to grow and the uncertainty is worrying. It is necessary to build a climate of peace to prevent the crisis from spreading and that is difficult, but China will continue its efforts,” he said.
He also assured that there are “painful lessons” to be learned and that “all parties must reflect and understand the causes and possible solutions”.
“The crisis can only be resolved through dialogue. And everyone supports an agreement, but now it is difficult to get the parties on the table. But neither side has closed the door to peace negotiations,” he added.
On May 18, China’s special envoy in Kiev assured that “all sides must create the conditions to end the war” and “begin peace talks”.
Kiev replied to Li that Ukraine will not accept a peace plan that entails the loss of territory.
Beijing submitted a detailed 12-point document on Feb. 24, which was met with skepticism by Ukraine and its Western allies.
At the end of April and for the first time since the start of the war, Chinese President Xi Jinping had a telephone conversation with his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymir Zelensky, in which the former announced the appointment of a special envoy to Ukraine.
Xi explained to Zelensky that he would not “look at the conflict from a distance in the hope of gaining advantages” or “throw more fuel on the fire”, arguing that “dialogue and negotiation” are the “only way out”.
Source: DN
