China says it supports settlement of regional conflicts through dialogue

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Saturday said China will continue to promote peace and facilitate talks to end regional conflicts, reiterating that all regional conflicts should be resolved through dialogue, and the Ukraine issue is no exception.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks in response to questions on China's role in resolving regional conflicts, particularly the Russia-Ukraine conflict, after delivering a speech at the "China in the World" session of the Munich Security Conference.

China is not a party involved in the conflict, and the decision does not lie in its hands, he said, adding that what China can do is to promote peace and facilitate talks. China has sent special envoys for mediation and has urged all parties to achieve a ceasefire and return to the negotiating table, Wang noted. 

Wang noted it is encouraging to see that dialogue among the relevant parties had recently resumed, particularly with discussions beginning to focus on substantive issues of the Ukraine crisis. While acknowledging that significant differences in positions remain, and that peace cannot be achieved overnight, he emphasized that dialogue is essential for any prospect of lasting peace. Without sustained talks, he said, a peace agreement would not come about automatically.

China, he added, continues to support all efforts aimed at peace and will keep playing a constructive role in its own way.

Wang also said Europe should not remain a bystander in the process. He recalled that after dialogue between the United States and Russia began early last year, Europe appeared to have been sidelined. Since the conflict is taking place on European soil, he said, Europe has the right and should participate in the negotiations. Europe should not be on the menu, but at the table, he said.

China, Wang said, supports Europe in engaging in dialogue with Russia and in putting forward its own proposals and solutions. Through addressing root causes, he added, a more balanced, effective and sustainable European security architecture should be built to prevent similar conflicts in the future and achieve lasting peace and stability on the continent.