BEIJING (AP) – China’s Ukraine envoy called on other governments to “stop sending weapons to the battlefield” and appealed for peace talks at a time when Washington and its European allies are ramping up supplies of missiles and tanks to Ukrainian forces.
Li Hui said on Friday Russian and Ukrainian officials were open to peace negotiations, but he gave no indication they were any closer to happening.
Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s government said it is neutral and wants to serve as a mediator.
Foreign analysts saw little chance of progress from Li’s visits to the countries because neither side is ready to stop fighting, but sending an envoy gave Beijing a opportunity to expand its global diplomatic role.
“China believes that if we really want to put an end to war, to save lives and realise peace, it is important for us to stop sending weapons to the battlefield, or else the tensions will only spiral up,” Li told reporters.
Xi’s decision to send an envoy was welcomed by the Ukrainian government.Beijing released a proposed peace plan in February, but Ukraine’s allies insisted Russian President Vladimir Putin must first withdraw his forces.
“China’s goal is promoting peace talks and a cessation of hostilities,” said Li, a former ambassador to Moscow. European governments promised Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy missiles, tanks and drones when he visited Britain, France and Germany in mid-May.
Ukraine has received Patriot anti-missile systems from the United States (US), Germany and the Netherlands. The US, Spain, Germany and France have pledged a total of 300 tanks. Li repeated Beijing’s call for respect for the “territorial integrity of all countries”.
“China advocates for a balanced and just way to address security concerns,” Li said.
Li, who also visited Poland, France, Germany and the European Union headquarters, said Beijing was ready to send a second delegation to discuss a possible “political settlement”.
“Compared with some countries’ actions, clinging to Cold War mentality, ganging up with other countries, creating small circles for bloc confrontation and carrying out hegemonic bullying actions, these are completely different practices,” he said.
Li also called for steps to protect the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, adding to appeals by the International Atomic Energy Agency this week for both sides to commit to preventing any attack on the facility to avoid a “catastrophic incident”.
