China reiterates need for political solution to end Ukraine crisis

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ISTANBUL (AA) – China has doubled down on its position that seeks political solution to end the war in Ukraine, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov in phone call on Monday.

Wang “emphasized that China will uphold a fair position on any multilateral occasion, make objective and rational observations, actively promote peace and encourage talks and seek political solutions,” the Chinese Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

The conversation between Wang and Lavrov came a day after peace talks on Ukraine in the Saudi Arabian city of Jeddah, which were attended by representatives of several countries, including the US, Germany and Türkiye. While China was represented by its Special Envoy for Eurasian Affairs Li Hui, Russia was not invited.

Talks concluded Sunday with the participants agreeing on the importance of continuing consultations to pave the way for peace.​​​​​​​

Wang, who remained China's top diplomat from 2013 to 2022, was reappointed to the post after the dismissal of Qin Gang on July 25.

China has not condemned Russia for its war on Ukraine, which started in February 2022. It also offered its own 12-point peace plan on the first anniversary of the war, which was largely dismissed by the West.

The Chinese and Russian presidents, Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin, announced a "no limits" partnership in February 2022, when Putin visited Beijing for the opening of the Winter Olympics, just days before he launched a “special military operation” in Ukraine. The two again met this March in Moscow, entering a “new era” of cooperation.