China supports ‘equal, fair’ international peace conference

2nd round of shuttle diplomacy shows responsibility

China’s Special Representative on Eurasian Affairs Li Hui is currently engaged in a second round of shuttle mediation between Russia, Ukraine and other European countries in an effort to build consensus on a political resolution for the Ukraine crisis, which demonstrates China’s sense of responsibility in the region, analysts said, calling all parties involved, particularly the US and other Western countries, to make a positive contribution to achieving a cease-fire.

In the past week and more, Li visited Russia, EU headquarters, Poland, Ukraine and Germany. He is now in France. During this round of shuttle diplomacy, Li held talks with various parties and officials from the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of Switzerland to pass on messages, build up consensus and exchange in-depth views on a cease-fire and a political settlement of the Ukraine crisis, Wang Wenbin, a spokesperson of Chinese Foreign Ministry, said at the press conference on Monday.

The parties appreciated China’s mediation efforts, Wang said, noting that China has continuously maintained an objective and impartial stance on the Ukraine issue, actively promotes peace talks, and supports the holding in due course of an international peace conference that is recognized by both Russia and Ukraine and ensures the equal participation of all parties and fair discussions on all peace plans. China is also willing to continue playing a constructive role in the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis.

Despite the ongoing stalemate in Russia-Ukraine peace talks, recent developments suggest a potential shift in the situation, analysts said.

While key factors remain unchanged and all parties are reluctant to compromise, there is hope for progress. Li’s visit will help gather updated information, facilitate communication, and encourage the exploration of new solutions to the Ukraine crisis. This renewed effort could pave the way for a breakthrough in the negotiations, Zhang Hong, an associate research fellow at the Institute of

Russian, Eastern European and Central Asian Studies of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times on Monday.

Conducting extensive dialogues with relevant parties may also further assist China in identifying new opportunities to advocate for a cease-fire, demonstrating its commitment to global and regional governance, according to Zhang.

In an interview recorded in February with Swiss broadcaster RSI, Pope Francis said that Ukraine should stop fighting and negotiate an end to the war with Russia, which was met with strong objections from Ukraine.

The Pope’s statement was born out of his concerns regarding the rising death toll on the battlefield. He was scolded because supporting Ukraine against Russia is seen as politically correct in the West, said Cui Heng, a scholar from the Shanghai-based China National Institute for SCO International Exchange and Judicial Cooperation. Cui emphasized the importance of more countries collaborating with China to address the ongoing crisis.