Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Ukraine's Andrii Sybiha held high-stakes talks at the Munich Security Conference this weekend, with Beijing doubling down on calls for a 'binding peace agreement' to resolve the Ukraine crisis through dialogue.
'China will always stand on the side of peace,' Wang declared, highlighting a 13% year-on-year increase in bilateral trade between the two nations despite global tensions. As Ukraine's largest trading partner, China pledged to 'keep economic cooperation channels open' while pushing diplomatic solutions.
The meeting reinforced China's 12-point peace plan first outlined in 2023, emphasizing territorial integrity and opposition to weaponizing global food supplies. Wang stressed: 'There are no winners in conflict – lasting solutions require addressing legitimate security concerns.'
Ukrainian leaders welcomed Beijing's neutral stance, with Sybiha stating: 'We value China's balanced position and international influence.' Both sides agreed to enhance protections for Chinese institutions in Ukraine while collaborating through the 'Friends of Peace' platform – a coalition led by China and Global South nations.
Reference(s):
China calls for fair, lasting peace agreement for Ukraine crisis
cgtn.com
