In a UN Security Council session on Friday, China’s deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, Geng Shuang, warned that more weapons on the battlefield will only prolong the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
“With direct negotiations now underway between Russia and Ukraine, there has been an increasing number of weapons on the battlefield with greater lethality and destructive power. This will only escalate confrontation and prolong the fighting,” he said.
Geng called on all parties to “actively forge an atmosphere conducive to peace talks by creating conditions and providing support.” He urged Russia and Ukraine to maintain momentum in their diplomatic efforts, shift toward de-escalation, and pursue a political solution.
In response to remarks by the U.S. representative, Geng firmly rejected “misinformation and smears” against China, stressing that Beijing has never supplied lethal arms to the conflict and strictly controls dual-use exports.
He also pointed to the U.S. as bearing “major responsibility for the outbreak and continuation of the conflict” and encouraged Washington to move beyond blame and join diplomatic efforts for an early peace.
Since the crisis began, China has consistently called for dialogue, negotiation, and a political settlement. It has stayed in contact with both sides and worked with the Global South and the wider international community to promote peace talks and seek real peace.
Russia and Ukraine held their first direct negotiations in Istanbul, agreeing on a prisoner exchange, and are preparing a second round of talks. China welcomed these positive steps and reiterated its support for all efforts toward peace.
“The parties to the conflict should demonstrate political will, maintain the momentum of peace talks, and address the root causes of the crisis through dialogue and consultation,” Geng said, adding that they must “earnestly abide by international humanitarian law and refrain from attacking civilians and civilian infrastructure.”
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China calls on Russia, Ukraine to maintain momentum of peace talks
cgtn.com
