BEIJING, China: On Wednesday, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi hosted Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba in Guangzhou, China, amid the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
The meeting marks a significant diplomatic moment, as Kuleba is the first senior Ukrainian official to visit China since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
China has positioned itself as a neutral party in the conflict, asserting that it does not provide lethal aid to either side, unlike the United States and other Western nations. However, its close political and economic ties with Russia have drawn criticism from NATO members, who label Beijing as a “decisive enabler” of the war.
During the talks, both ministers emphasized the need for peace. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning conveyed that while the conditions for a ceasefire are not yet optimal, China supports all efforts that contribute to peace and is willing to play a constructive role in resuming peace talks. Mao reiterated China’s commitment to promoting a political solution to the crisis.
In his statement, Kuleba highlighted Ukraine’s desire for peace and recovery, stating that Russian aggression has severely impacted Ukraine’s development and stability. His visit is set to conclude on Friday.
China has actively sought to position itself as a mediator in the conflict, with President Xi Jinping and envoy Li Hui engaging in diplomatic efforts to facilitate negotiations. Despite this, China’s approach has faced criticism from Western countries, particularly regarding its perceived leniency towards Russia’s territorial gains in Ukraine.
Beijing has dismissed accusations of supporting Russia’s war effort, insisting that its stance is transparent and blaming Western arms shipments for prolonging the conflict. China’s decision to skip the recent peace summit in Switzerland, protesting Moscow’s exclusion, further underscores the complexities of its role in the ongoing geopolitical struggle.
