China vows continued coordination with Russia to end Ukraine war

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
5 May 2023 08:24

During a meeting with his Russian counterpart, the Chinese Foreign Minister reinstates China's position on promoting peace talks.

Chinese Foreign Minister speaking at a press release (AFP)

Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang vowed that Beijing will continue maintaining cooperation and coordination with Moscow to find solutions to the current conflict in Ukraine during a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

On the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) foreign ministers’ gathering in India, Qin said that "China will actively promote peace talks and is ready to maintain cooperation and coordination with Russia to make a real contribution to a political solution to the crisis," as per the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

Lavrov was quoted by the Chinese Foreign Ministry as saying that Moscow values the document outlining China's position on the political resolution of the Ukraine conflict and agrees with Beijing's main viewpoint.

The Russian Foreign Minister affirmed Moscow's willingness to stay in close communication with Beijing.

The two top diplomats also agreed to promote regional coordination and cooperation, oppose "the new cold war," and uphold peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific.

Moscow and Beijing also reaffirmed their readiness to strengthen cooperation and coordination within international organizations and blocs, such as BRICS, the Group of Twenty (G20), the United Nations, and the SCO, as well as to "oppose all forms of hegemony," according to the ministry's statement.

Last week, the Chinese Foreign Ministry announced that the special representative of the Chinese Government on Eurasian Affairs, Li Hui, will be heading China's delegation to Ukraine and other countries for consultations on the war's political settlement.

Beijing, however, did not specify the exact date of when the Chinese diplomat would visit Ukraine, though the deputy director of the ministry's Department of European-Central Asian Affairs, Yu Jun, told a press conference that the department would provide the relevant information in due time.

Earlier, China Central Television (CCTV) announced that Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke by phone with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The Ukrainian president stated that his conversation with Xi was "long and meaningful" and that it will offer a tremendous boost to bilateral ties.

It is noteworthy that on February 24, China released a 12-point document entitled "China's Position on the Political Settlement of the Ukraine Crisis," which underscores 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."