In a briefing after his recent tour of Russia, Ukraine, France, Poland, Germany and the headquarters of the European Union, the diplomat noted that all parties adhered to their own positions. “However, everyone agreed that the war must be ended through negotiations, not with weapons,” he said, adding that each party is aware of the danger of the current situation escalating further.

In his opinion, there is a growing consensus and will in the international community on the issue of an early ceasefire, the cessation of hostilities and the restoration of peace.

Li Hui added that all parties appreciated China’s role as a mediator, and expressed interest in Beijing playing a more active role in this regard.

The functionary also stressed the importance of an international peace conference recognized by Russia and Ukraine, with equal participation and fair discussion of all peace plans.

China’s position is based on the “four duties” proposed by President Xi Jinping: the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries must be respected, the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations must be observed, the legitimate concerns of security interests of all nations must be taken seriously, and all efforts leading to a peaceful resolution of the crisis must be supported.

In this regard, Beijing stated that Switzerland plans to organize a high-level international conference on peace in Ukraine, and insisted on the importance of the participation of all parties.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry reiterated on several occasions the call to all parties to “build consensus and sum up conditions to ease tensions, promoting a ceasefire and ending hostilities.”

jrr/llp/jha/idm