BEIJING (AP) — Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday, expressing approval of Moscow’s efforts to arrange a summit with the United States aimed at ending the war in Ukraine, according to state broadcaster CCTV.
During the call, Putin briefed Xi on Russia’s latest discussions with the U.S., though CCTV provided no further details.
“China is pleased to see Russia and relevant parties making positive efforts to resolve the crisis,” Xi said, as reported by CCTV.
According to a Kremlin statement, China voiced support for dialogue between Russia and the U.S. and expressed willingness to help facilitate a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
The conversation occurred as leaders from a dozen European countries and Canada gathered in Kyiv on Monday to mark the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion and demonstrate their solidarity with Ukraine.
Xi reaffirmed China’s commitment to promoting peace, highlighting the “Friends of Peace” group established last September with several other nations. Last year, China and Brazil jointly proposed a peace plan advocating for a conference involving both Ukraine and Russia, with an emphasis on preventing further escalation of the conflict.
Xi and Putin have maintained a close relationship, reflected in strengthened ties between their countries. China has become a key market for Russian oil and gas while supplying essential technologies to Moscow, especially in the wake of sweeping Western sanctions.
