China says it backs an intl peace conference recognized by Russia and Ukraine

China supports the timely convening of an international peace conference recognized by both Russia and Ukraine, with equal participation by all parties, and fair discussion of all peace proposals, said a Chinese special envoy on Friday in Beijing.

Li Hui, special representative of the Chinese government on Eurasian affairs, made the remarks at a press briefing about his 10-day second round of shuttle diplomacy on seeking a political settlement of the Ukraine crisis starting from March 2.

During the trip, Li visited Russia, the European Union headquarters of Brussels, Poland, Ukraine, Germany and France.

At Friday's briefing, which was attended by diplomats of 78 countries including Russia and Ukraine, Li said he had in-depth exchanges with all parties on how to realize an early ceasefire and promote the political settlement of the crisis during the visit.

"All parties appreciate China's shuttle mediation efforts and expect China to play a greater constructive role," Li said.

They agree that China, as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council and a common friend of both Russia and Ukraine, can play a mediatory role and convey information between the two countries and other parties, to promote all parties to seek common ground while reserving differences, build consensus and help foster more favorable conditions for peace talks, he added.

Li said the Russia side expressed its appreciation of China's second round of shuttle diplomacy and its belief that the crisis will be ultimately resolved through negotiation.

The Ukrainian side refuted the fallacy that "China deliberately alienates Ukraine," emphasized that China-Ukraine relations have not been affected by the crisis, and expressed its appreciation of China's balanced stance on the crisis, Li said.

The Chinese envoy said the consensus in peace talks has been growing, though it is still difficult to realize ceasefire or end the conflict.

China is ready to continue to play its unique role and contribute Chinese wisdom and strength to promote a political settlement of the Ukraine crisis, he said.

The Chinese special envoy last May visited Ukraine, Poland, France, Germany, Brussels and Russia in his first round of shuttle diplomacy on the crisis.

(Cover: Li Hui, special representative of the Chinese government on Eurasian affairs, holds a press conference about his second round of shuttle diplomacy on seeking a political settlement for the Ukraine crisis in Beijing, China, March 22, 2024. /Chinese Foreign Ministry)