China's Special Representative for Eurasian Affairs Li Hui (center right) gives a briefing on his visit to Ukraine, Poland, France, Germany, the EU headquarters and Russia in Beijing on June 2, 2023. Photo: AFP

Refuting a Wall Street Journal report claiming that China's peace plan carries the message that Beijing recognizes Russia's possession of parts of Ukraine, China's Special Representative for Eurasian Affairs Li Hui on Friday slammed the report as not only completely contradicting the facts, but also appearing to be aimed at disrupting China-Ukraine relations.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Li said that China is willing to actively consider sending representatives to the relevant countries again to push forward dialogue on resolving the Ukraine crisis, which experts said underscored the international community's recognition of China's approach and ability in mediating conflicts.

Li said that the current situation regarding the Ukraine crisis is still full of uncertainties. China believes that as long as there is a glimmer of hope for peace, efforts should be actively made.

As long as it is conducive to easing the situation and promoting negotiations, China is willing to do it, Li said while briefing media on his trip to Ukraine, Poland, France, Germany, the EU headquarters, and Russia to push forward a political settlement to the issue.

"The ongoing conflict is still escalating. Currently, it appears that there are significant challenges to convening negotiations and achieving tangible results. However, it is crucial to have someone step forward to drive consensus-building and establish common ground. This will gradually accumulate and create conditions for the ultimate resolution to the crisis," Li said.

"I sensed that neither side [Russia and Ukraine] has closed the door to negotiations. We believe that if we truly want to stop the war, save lives, and achieve peace, we must cease the delivery of weapons to the battlefield. Otherwise, it will only continuously escalate the risk of spiraling tensions," he continued.

A Wall Street Journal report recently claimed that Li's Europe trip carrying Beijing's peace plan sent out a message that "US allies in Europe should… urge an immediate ceasefire, leaving Russia in possession of the parts of its smaller neighbor that it now occupies," citing unnamed Western officials.

However, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba openly refuted the report, saying that he had immediately contacted his colleagues in European capitals that Li had visited, and none of them confirmed that negotiations had been held to recognize the territories currently controlled by Russia, according to Ukrainian media reports.

Responding to the report, Li told reporters on Friday that he does not know who the "Western officials" were that the WSJ was referring to, and that the report is "utterly false."

"China maintains an objective and impartial stance on the crisis in Ukraine, actively advocating for peace and dialogue. China's stance on the issue has received extensive understanding and support from the international community, including both Russia and Ukraine," Li noted.

The envoy stressed that China is not a party that is directly involved in the crisis and will not engage in actions that add fuel to the fire. China will continue to strengthen dialogue with all parties and play a constructive role in advocating for peace and promoting negotiations.

Speaking of the difference in positions on the Ukraine issue between China and Europe, Li said there is in fact a considerable amount of consensus between the two sides.

During French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to China in April this year, China and France issued a joint statement that mentioned various aspects related to the Ukraine crisis, including both parties' support for efforts to restore peace in Ukraine. Both sides expressed opposition to armed attacks on nuclear power plants and other nuclear facilities and supported the constructive role of the International Atomic Energy Agency in enhancing the security of these facilities. The statement also emphasized the importance for parties involved in the conflict to strictly adhere to international humanitarian law.

This is the first such joint statement issued by China with European countries to date, Li said.

For the next step, China will determine the direction of its measures based on how the situation develops and the international community's response, and it is willing to actively consider sending delegates to the relevant countries again to push forward dialogue on resolving the Ukraine crisis, said Li.

Cui Heng, an assistant research fellow from the Center for Russian Studies of East China Normal University, told the Global Times on Friday that this has underscored the international community's recognition of China's approach to mediating the conflict.

"It's unrealistic to expect immediate success in promoting peace through a single round of talks. It is a long process. However, what's important is that the parties involved in the conflict have accepted and recognized China's approach and ability to resolve the crisis," Cui said.

Li also mentioned on Friday that all parties are deeply concerned about the risks of spillover, particularly regarding nuclear safety, humanitarian issues, and food security.

Experts believe that these areas will also be included in China's list of contributions to a peaceful solution of the Ukraine crisis, particularly nuclear safety, as China, being one of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, has a special responsibility for global nuclear non-proliferation and nuclear security.