Beijing urges global effort to back peace bid

Wang Yi calls for show of support for talks between Kyiv and Moscow

State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi has renewed a call for the international community to step forward and encourage Russia and Ukraine to stick with negotiations despite the difficulties encountered in three rounds of talks.

Wang made clear China's position in virtual meetings on Thursday with French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian and Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio. The discussions with his European peers mark the latest stage in China's intensive diplomatic efforts to push forward a political settlement of the Ukraine crisis.

Wang, when he met with Di Maio via video link, said dialogue between the parties is the only viable means to achieve a lasting cease-fire between Russia and Ukraine.

Wang also described talks on Thursday between the foreign ministers of Russia and Ukraine in Turkey as a positive step toward peace. He said the international community should encourage the two sides to strive for peace.

He vowed that China would continue to make efforts to defuse the situation and promote peace.

During his talks with Le Drian, Wang said China hopes the international community will create the necessary environment and conditions for the talks between Russia and Ukraine to make progress.

Wang also noted that China has proposed a six-point initiative to prevent a massive humanitarian crisis in Ukraine.

China would push the United Nations Security Council to form a consensus on avoiding a humanitarian crisis through consultations with all sides, he added.