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On July 24, during a notable meeting in Guangzhou, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Ukrainian counterpart Dmytro Kuleba for the first time, vowing that China would endeavor to initiate a ceasefire in Ukraine and facilitate the renewal of peace talks. This dialogue followed communications between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Chinese President Xi Jinping, with discussions centering on ending Russia’s hostile actions and how China could contribute to a just and lasting solution to the conflict.
According to a statement from Kuleba’s office, the Ukrainian minister expressed his belief in the strategic benefits to China of a fair peace in Ukraine, emphasizing the importance of China’s influence as a global advocate for peace. Kuleba mentioned that, despite Ukraine’s readiness for sincere negotiation, Russia seemed reluctant to engage with the same earnestness.
Highlighting his concerns, Kuleba mentioned, “Russian aggression has disrupted peace and hindered development, with each additional day of conflict bringing more human rights violations and further undermining justice. It is critical to halt this war against Ukraine, reestablish peace and expedite our nation’s recovery.”
Kuleba also noted that Russian aggression negatively affects international stability and hampers the development of amicable international relations, especially impacting the growth of China-Europe trade.
Despite describing Ukraine as a “friend” and seeking stronger bilateral relations, the Chinese summary of the meeting was cautious, reiterating its historical stance that resolutions must be achieved politically. “China supports actions that lead to peace and will actively work to end the fighting, start a ceasefire, and resume peace discussions,” a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson stated.
Kuleba briefed Wang about the recent Peace Summit in Switzerland, advocating for Ukraine’s Peace Formula as the optimal approach to addressing Russia’s aggression. He also touched on the newly started negotiations for EU accession, suggesting that ties between Ukraine and China should be perceived through the prism of Ukraine potentially joining the 27-nation bloc, thus influencing China’s broader relations with Europe.
The meeting occurred amidst growing ties between China and Russia despite their historically wary relations, especially after Russia’s full invasion of Ukraine in early 2022. Recent interactions between the leaders of these nations, including a state visit by Xi to Russia in March 2023, and another meeting in Kazakhstan on July 4, underscore the strengthening bond between Beijing and Moscow.