Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin. Photo: Collected
Beijing supports the holding of an international peace conference to resolve the conflict in Ukraine with equal participation of all parties, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said on Monday (11 March).
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Chinese Ambassador to the UN Geng Shuang said last week their country backed the idea of convening such a conference. Meanwhile, Pope Francis said in an interview with Swiss broadcaster RSI, partially released on Saturday, that he believed the losing side should find the courage to "raise the white flag" and enter negotiations. The pontiff's remark was interpreted as a call on Kiev to surrender, with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba saying that his country would "never raise any other flags" apart from the national one.
"China supports the timely convening of an international peace conference recognized by both Russia and Ukraine, with equal participation of all parties and fair discussion of all existing peace plans," Wang said, commenting on Pope Francis' remarks.
Beijing has always taken an "objective and just stance as well as actively promoted peace talks," the spokesman said, adding that China hopes for the swift restoration of peace in Europe and is ready to play a constructive role in that respect.
The spokesman also commented on the European tour of Chinese Special Representative on Eurasian Affairs Li Hui.
"Li Hui ... had in-depth exchanges with all parties, all the sides expressed appreciation for China's mediation efforts," Wang added.
Earlier in March, Li started his second big European tour, which included 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 peace plan 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.
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