China denies bias in Ukraine conflict amid peace plan controversy
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Ukraine reportedly criticized China's plan as self-serving, accusing Beijing of attempting to bolster its relationship with Moscow.
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Wang Yi, China Foreign Minister, speaks during a Security Council meeting, Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024, at UN headquarters. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson, Pool)
China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi addressed the UN Security Council on Tuesday, rejecting US accusations that China is taking sides in the Ukraine-Russian conflict.
"China is not a creator of the Ukraine crisis, nor are we a party to it. China has all along stood on the side of peace," Yi said, adding that diplomacy was the only way to solve the crisis.
This follows reports that Ukraine has been actively lobbying US Congress members to oppose a peace plan proposed by China.
On Monday, Punchbowl News reported Ukrainian officials over the weekend distributed materials to congressional representatives opposing the plan, ahead of the annual UN General Assembly in New York, where global leaders, including Volodymyr Zelensky, are set to convene.
Chinese officials are also expected to present their proposal, calling on Western countries to halt their support for Ukrainian strikes into Russian territory.
Ukraine reportedly criticized China's plan as self-serving, accusing Beijing of attempting to bolster its relationship with Moscow.
Meanwhile, Congress has been urging the Biden administration to remove restrictions preventing Ukraine from launching deeper strikes into Russia.
Read more: US, UK disallowing Kiev's deployment of long-range missiles: Zelensky
In February 2023, China released a 12-point document titled "China's Position on the Political Settlement of the Ukraine Crisis," which outlined measures for a peace process in Ukraine.
It called for respect for the sovereignty of all countries, the cessation of hostilities, and the resumption of peace talks between Moscow and Kiev.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said that some of the provisions of the plan could be a basis for a peace settlement "if the West and Kiev are ready for it."
Beijing has consistently reiterated its support for a diplomatic resolution to the conflict in Ukraine and expressed opposition to actions by countries that align with one side.
Earlier this month, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Chen Xiaodong said that China will continue engaging with all parties to facilitate peace talks on Ukraine.
