China’s government has called for peace talks between Ukraine and Russia, while urging all parties to avoid nuclear escalation and end attacks on civilians, in a statement which appeared to maintain Beijing’s stance that the west is fuelling the conflict. The 12-point position paper was released on Friday, on the first anniversary of Russia’s invasion and before an expected speech by the Chinese president, Xi Jinping. The paper stated that the international community should 'create conditions and platforms' for negotiations to resume, and claimed that China would continue to 'play a constructive role in this regard'.
China calls for Ukraine peace talks as it steps up engagement in the conflict
Russia-Ukraine war live: year of ‘invincibility’ ahead, says Zelenskiy; Nato chief dismisses China intervention on peace talks