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China's Special Representative for Eurasian Affairs Li Hui gave a press briefing on Friday, revealing details of his trips to Ukraine, Poland, France, Germany, and Russia. It was the first time that China sent a peace mission for a political settlement of the Ukraine crisis.

Li stressed that China's stance on the crisis has been consistent. Beijing is willing to strengthen dialogue and communication with all parties, continue to build up common understandings and mutual trust, encourage the international community to find the broadest common understandings and make China's contributions to a political settlement of the Ukraine crisis.

Ukraine, Russia, the EU and other European nations recognize China's efforts in promoting peace talks and supporting a political settlement on the Ukraine crisis. They welcomed China's involvement and expressed their willingness to exchange views with Beijing. Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesman Oleg Nikolenko expressed hope that Li's "deep knowledge of our region will help him to communicate impartially and effectively with all parties."

Russian President Vladimir Putin has also welcomed China's proposals for peace in Ukraine, claiming Beijing's peace plan "correlates to the point of view of the Russian Federation." Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen, representative of a NATO country and a strong Ukraine ally, expressed the desire to host a peace summit in July. Crucially, he stated that such a meeting would need the engagement of China.

As countries across the spectrum welcome China's involvement, it is clear that China's efforts to find a way towards a lasting political settlement, based on United Nations principles, are gathering momentum.

In adhering to the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter, China has always maintained an objective stance on international and regional disputes. Bringing about security through political dialogue and peaceful negotiation is a highlight of China's Global Security Initiative (GSI). The initiative, which was proposed in April 2022, aims to eliminate the root causes of international conflicts, improve global security governance, encourage joint international efforts to bring more stability and certainty to a volatile and changing era, and promote durable peace and development in the world.

Upholding a balanced and impartial stand, China has also grabbed headlines recently with its success in helping Saudi Arabia and Iran negotiate a deal to restore diplomatic ties and pursue economic cooperation. This triumph showcases China's role as a peace promoter and peace builder on major international issues. China has made significant efforts in conflict negotiations in Afghanistan, Myanmar and Ethiopia as well.

In contrast to the Chinese approach, the U.S., a country that often trumpets its commitment to peace and democracy, has shown a self-interested stance on the Ukraine crisis.

Its push for NATO expansion, the supply of billions of dollars of weapons into Ukraine, and recent sanctions against Russia reveal an intention to contain Moscow, reflecting a vested interest in a protracted conflict. Rather than advancing a peaceful resolution, America's actions are evidently aimed at keeping Russia preoccupied, while undermining the Eurasian power's geopolitical influence. This approach will just lead to more death and destruction. U.S.'s great power games are not conducive to an early end to the crisis or the restoration of peace.

Worse still, the U.S., not satisfied with pouring weapons into the region and encouraging maximalist positions rather than compromise, is apparently trying to sabotage Li's efforts with disinformation.

Ukraine Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has denied a Wall Street Journal (WSJ) report that Li Hui proposed an immediate ceasefire and recognition of the occupied territories of Ukraine as part of Russia. Kuleba said that he contacted his colleagues in European capitals visited by Li Hui, and none of them confirmed the report. Kuleba said, "I urge you to keep a cool head and use your common sense. There is no need to behave and react emotionally to every article," adding that Ukraine will continue its dialogue with China. Li Hui rejected the WSJ report on Friday, stressing Beijing would do anything to ease tensions.

Now, more than ever, it's time for peace. At its heart, the Ukraine crisis is a political problem that requires a political solution. With the support of China and other nations on the right side of history seeking peace and mutual security for the people of Ukraine and Russia, the world can work toward a peaceful resolution to the crisis, guided by the principles of peace and dialogue.

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