China Calls for Early Ceasefire in Russia-Ukraine Conflict

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has expressed China's intent to promote balanced and rational dialogue for an early ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine war. Wang's remarks come amid international criticism, especially from the U.S., over China’s support for Russia.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has emphasized Beijing's commitment to fostering balanced, objective, and rational discourse to facilitate an early ceasefire and political resolution for the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, the South China Morning Post reported. Wang articulated these views during his meeting with Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu in St. Petersburg on Tuesday.

Wang reiterated China's neutral stance, stating, "China has always maintained an objective and impartial attitude towards the Ukrainian issue and will continue to work to promote balanced, objective and rational voices in the international community, so as to build more international consensus and accumulate the necessary conditions for an early ceasefire and a political settlement of the crisis," according to a statement from the Chinese foreign ministry.

His comments come in the wake of U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken's criticism of China for bolstering Russian President Vladimir Putin's campaign against Ukraine. Blinken, in a joint press conference with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, highlighted China's role as a significant supplier of essential materials aiding Russia's defense industry. It's noteworthy that Putin mentioned India, China, and Brazil as potential mediators in peace talks on September 5, according to Reuters. Russia and Ukraine have been embroiled in conflict since February 2022.

(With inputs from agencies.)