Beijing, April 27: China’s President Xi Jinping and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday spoke for the first time since the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
The Chinese leader called upon the Ukrainian President to “seize the opportunity for political settlement”
Mr Xi once again referred to the peace proposal put forward by China in February, on the one year of invasion.
He also announced that China will “send the Special Representative of the Chinese government on Eurasian affairs to Ukraine and other countries to have an in-depth communication with all parties on the political settlement of Ukraine crisis.
In Beijing’s readout of Mr Xi’a remarks, there was no mention of Russia. Indeed, Beijing’s proximity to Moscow – and recent declarations by both sides of relations being at “the best period in history” has dampened any Western expectations of Beijing fulfilling a role as a credible mediator.
Chinese officials and experts have, however, talked up Beijing’s ability to broker a political settlement, particularly in the wake of China’s role in the landmark Saudi – Iran deal.
“With rationale thinking and voices now on the rise, it is important to seize the opportunity and build up favourable conditions for the political settlement of the crisis,” Mr Xi told Zelensky.
The Chinese leader also said, “China will continue to facilitate talks for peace and make its efforts for early ceasefire and restoration of peace”
EOM.
