China calls on Russia and Ukraine to start peace talks as soon as possible. The country also rejects the use of nuclear weapons in the war. This is stated in a Chinese statement on Friday.
“Nuclear weapons must not be used and nuclear wars cannot be fought,” China said in a foreign ministry statement. The document was published exactly one year after the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
“All sides should support Russia and Ukraine to work in the same direction and resume direct dialogue as soon as possible.” The main points, according to China, are aimed at gradual de-escalation to eventually reach a ceasefire.
The points list also includes countering sanctions not approved by the United Nations Security Council. There should also be a ban on the development and use of biological weapons. In addition, China wants the safety of nuclear power plants to be guaranteed.
To ensure the security of all countries, dialogue and negotiations are the only way out, according to China.
Ontvang meldingen bij nieuws over de oorlog in Oekraïne
China wants to be neutral, but strengthens ties with Russia
China wants to position itself as a neutral party, but at the same time maintains close ties with Russia. For example, Chinese diplomat Wang Yi met in Moscow on Wednesday with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Thursday he had not seen a Chinese peace plan. He wants to meet Beijing about their proposal. “I think in general it’s very good that China has started talking about Ukraine and sending some signals,” Zelensky said.
“We will draw some conclusions after seeing the details of what they offer. We would like to meet with China.”