BEIJING: China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi reiterated China’s commitment to an independent and impartial position on the Ukraine crisis. During a phone conversation with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov on Monday, Wang expressed his satisfaction with the progress achieved in “practical cooperation” between China and Russia.
The two foreign ministers discussed various matters, including ongoing developments in Ukraine and the strengthening of their comprehensive strategic partnership.
Wang Yi’s remarks to Lavrov were conveyed through an official statement by China’s Foreign Ministry on Monday. The statement outlined China’s intention to serve as an “objective and rational voice” within international multilateral forums and to actively contribute to fostering peace negotiations.
The foreign ministers of China and Russia have highlighted their countries’ “practical cooperation” and close strategic coordination, reinforcing the bilateral ties between the two global powers, according to statements released by both nations.
Wang stressed the importance of maintaining close strategic coordination to promote global multi-polarization and the democratization of international relations. Both ministers reaffirmed their commitment to upholding independent and fair stances on world affairs.
Addressing the crisis in Ukraine, Wang reiterated China’s position as a neutral party and called for involved parties to initiate peace talks to resolve the ongoing conflict. He emphasized the need to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of both nations and further advance the high-level development of the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership.
The phone call reflects the strengthening relationship between China and Russia amid deteriorating ties with the Western bloc. Russia’s foreign ministry noted that the ministers rejected the confrontational policy of the Western bloc toward both nations, underscoring the unity and harmony in Moscow and Beijing’s approaches to global matters.
Efforts for Peaceful Resolution to Ukraine Crisis
The statement followed an announcement by the ministry earlier on Monday, indicating that international talks held in Saudi Arabia over the weekend had played a role in “strengthening international consensus” towards achieving a peaceful resolution to the Ukraine crisis.
Over 40 countries participated in the Jeddah talks, which concluded on Sunday. Notable participants included China, India, the United States, and various European nations. However, Russia was notably absent from the discussions.
China’s delegation to the talks was led by its Special Envoy for Eurasian Affairs and former ambassador to Russia, Li Hui. Li Hui had previously embarked on a diplomatic tour of six European capitals in May in an effort to facilitate common ground for a potential political settlement to the 18-month-long conflict.
China’s stance on the Ukraine crisis has been characterized by its refusal to condemn Russia for its military intervention in Ukraine, which began in February 2022. Instead, China has offered its own peace plan, which has garnered a cautious response from both Russia and Ukraine. Meanwhile, the United States and NATO have expressed skepticism toward China’s proposed solution.
Wang Yi, a seasoned diplomat and senior figure in China’s ruling Communist Party, was reappointed as foreign minister in July after his predecessor’s prolonged absence.
