CHINESE Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba in Guangzhou on Wednesday, calling for a political settlement of the Ukraine crisis.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that the Ukraine crisis has entered its third year, and the conflict is still ongoing with risks of escalation and spillover.

Noting that China remains firmly committed to a political settlement of the Ukraine crisis, Wang said the four principles laid out by President Xi Jinping form China’s fundamental approach to finding a solution to the crisis.

On this basis, Wang said that China and Brazil have jointly outlined six common understandings for a political resolution of the Ukraine crisis, including three principles for managing the conflict, three elements for a peace plan, three humanitarian concerns, as well as important measures to prevent nuclear risks and ensure the stability of industrial and supply chains.

This consensus has garnered widespread support and response from the international community, Wang added.

China believes that all conflicts have to end at the negotiating table, and all disputes must be resolved through political means, Wang said, adding that recently both Ukraine and Russia have shown willingness for negotiations.

“Although the conditions and timing are not yet ripe, we support all efforts conducive to peace and stand ready to continue to play a constructive role for a ceasefire and resumption of peace talks,” he said, adding that China is closely following the humanitarian situation in Ukraine and will continue to provide humanitarian assistance to the country.  

During the meeting, the Chinese foreign minister also urged the healthy and steady development of bilateral ties between China and Ukraine, saying that both sides should strengthen practical cooperation in various fields.

Wang said the third plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee has started a new round of deepening reform comprehensively. China’s comprehensive promotion of Chinese modernization will bring new opportunities to people of all countries, Wang added.

Noting that Ukraine was one of the first countries to support and participate in the Belt and Road Initiative, Wang said China has been Ukraine’s largest trading partner and the biggest export destination for Ukrainian agricultural products in recent years. In the first half of 2024, bilateral trade volume recorded a momentum of rapid growth, showing the space and potential of bilateral cooperation.

The two sides should capitalize on the role of bilateral cooperation mechanisms and strengthen practical cooperation in various fields, he said, adding that China will continue to expand grain imports from Ukraine and jointly maintain smooth logistics channels and international food security.

Wang thanked the Ukrainian side for its assistance in the evacuation of Chinese citizens, especially international students, in the early stage of the conflict in Ukraine, and expressed the hope that Ukraine will continue to take effective measures to ensure the safety of Chinese personnel and institutions in Ukraine.

China’s role ‘appreciated’

The Ukrainian foreign minister said Ukraine highly appreciates China’s positive and constructive role in promoting peace and maintaining international order.

According to a press release on China-Ukraine foreign ministers’ talks, Kuleba said the Ukrainian side attaches importance to China’s opinions and has carefully studied six common understandings jointly outlined by China and Brazil for a political resolution of the Ukraine crisis.

The Ukrainian side is willing and ready to conduct dialogue and negotiation with Russia, Kuleba said, adding that negotiations should be rational and substantive and aimed at achieving a just and lasting peace.

Noting that China is a great country, and Ukraine and China are not only strategic partners but also important economic and trade partners, Kuleba said the Ukrainian side supports China’s position on the Taiwan question and will continue to adhere to the one-China policy.

The Ukrainian side hopes to jointly implement the important consensus between the heads of state of China and Ukraine, consolidate political mutual trust, activate cooperation in various fields including economy, trade, and agriculture, and strengthen exchanges between the two countries’ sister cities. 

                                Xinhua