BEIJING: China confirmed on Friday that it will not attend a Ukraine peace conference in Switzerland next month, as the meeting falls short of China’s requests, according to Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Mao Ning.
Mao emphasized that China values the hosting of the Ukraine peace summit in Switzerland and has maintained close communication with Switzerland and relevant parties since the beginning of the year.
However, Mao expressed that the meeting arrangements have fallen short of China’s requests and the general expectations of the international community, making it difficult for China to attend the meeting.
The Chinese spokesperson emphasized that China consistently insists that international conference on Ukraine should have the recognition of both Russia and Ukraine, equal participation of all parties, and fair discussions on all peace proposals, as these three elements are crucial for the effectiveness of restoring peace.
China’s requirements for the summit are fair and impartial, not targeting any specific party, as reflected in the recent joint statement with Brazil on the political resolution of the Ukraine crisis. It also highlights the global concern, especially among developing countries, Mao continued.
Based on feedback from various parties and the disclosed meeting arrangements, it appears that China’s three key elements are difficult to achieve, Mao said.
China will continue to promote dialogue and peace in its own way, maintain communication with all parties, and work together to create conditions for a political resolution of the Ukraine crisis, Mao said.
In the recent joint statement with Brazil, China and Brazil clearly stated they support an international peace conference held at a proper time that is recognized by both Russia and Ukraine, with equal participation of all parties as well as fair discussion of all peace plans, Xinhua News Agency reported.
In addition, China and Brazil jointly issued a six-point consensus on their common understanding for the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis, calling on all relevant parties to observe three principles for de-escalating the situation – no expansion of the battlefield, no escalation of fighting and no provocation by any party – and stating that “dialogue and negotiation are the only viable way out of the crisis.”
