China marks ties with Ukraine, pushes peace talks in Munich

During a meeting with Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha at the Munich Security Conference in Germany on Friday, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi noted that this year marks the 15th anniversary of the China–Ukraine strategic partnership and next year will mark 35 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Although the international situation has undergone significant changes, China remains committed to the original principles underpinning diplomatic ties, namely mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit, and win-win cooperation. China values the traditional friendship between the two countries and will continue to advance cooperation across various fields.

Wang noted that in recent days, intensive diplomatic efforts and dialogue surrounding the Ukraine crisis have been encouraging. China's position, Wang said, has remained consistent, guided by the "Four Shoulds" raised by President Xi Jinping. China upholds objectivity and fairness, actively promotes peace talks, and stands ready to maintain communication with Ukraine and work with the international community to play a constructive role in achieving an early political settlement of the crisis.

Wang added that China–Ukraine relations should remain on the right track and maintain stable, sound development. China is willing to provide Ukraine with a new batch of humanitarian assistance and hopes Ukraine will continue to ensure the safety of Chinese citizens and institutions in the country.

Sybiha said that Ukraine and China share a traditional friendship and are important strategic partners. He expressed appreciation for China's consistent respect for national sovereignty and territorial integrity and its efforts to promote peace talks. As Ukraine's largest trading partner, China holds vast potential for bilateral cooperation. Ukraine adheres to the one-China principle and will take effective measures to safeguard the safety and legitimate rights and interests of Chinese citizens and enterprises in Ukraine.

Sybiha also stated that the war in Ukraine should come to an end and expressed hope that China will play an important role in achieving an early ceasefire and comprehensive peace.

Jian Junbo, director of the Center for China-Europe Relations at Fudan University in Shanghai, said China has carried out multiple rounds of mediation to solve the Ukrainian crisis via political negotiations. "China has also provided humanitarian assistance, helped maintain the stability of the Black Sea grain corridor, and supported refugee relief efforts, playing an important role through multilateral institutions."

Zhou Bo, a senior fellow at Tsinghua University's Center for International Security and Strategy, said the most urgent priority in the Ukraine crisis is achieving a ceasefire. "From the beginning of the crisis, China has consistently advocated for a ceasefire," Zhou said.

"If Russia and Ukraine reach a ceasefire, peacekeeping may become necessary, and major powers could be required to provide political security guarantees," he added. "China can play a constructive role."

Looking ahead, Zhou noted that Ukraine's postwar reconstruction could be the largest rebuilding project of Europe since the end of World War II. "Given China's strong infrastructure capabilities, it can play a significant role in helping Ukraine prosper again," he said.

zhangzhouxiang@chinadaily.com.cn