China seeks clarity before committing to upcoming Ukraine conference
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In July, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that he expects Russia would participate in the second conference on Ukraine, scheduled for November.
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A child plays on a tank painted in the colors of the Ukrainian flag, back dropped by the Motherland Monument, in Kyiv, Ukraine, Friday, March 15, 2024 (AP)
Chinese Ambassador to Russia Zhang Hanhui told Sputnik on Saturday that China requires more clarity before deciding whether to participate in the second international conference on Ukraine.
"It is too early to assess the issue. It is very difficult to comment because you need to clarify all the details, participants and contents. We want any such event to be balanced and fair," Zhang said.
In July, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that he expects Russia would participate in the second conference on Ukraine, scheduled for November.
The first Ukrainian conference took place at the Swiss resort of Buergenstock from June 15-16. Approximately 90 countries and organizations participated in the event.
Russia was not invited, and Russian officials stated they would not have attended regardless.
Read more: China will continue efforts to resolve the Ukraine crisis: MoFA
China's involvement in the Ukraine peace process has been proactive and neutral but subject to scrutiny due to its strong relations with Moscow.
In 2023, China has issued a peace plan that calls for negotiations on a Ukraine peace plan.
It emphasized the need for a ceasefire, dialogue, and addressing humanitarian concerns, but it does not directly condemn Russia or demand its withdrawal from Ukrainian territory.
As a result, it has sparked criticism on part of the West.
