Europe has every right to take part in Ukraine peace talks – Wang Yi
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has said that China does not have the final say in resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and that European states should participate alongside the United States in negotiations with Russia to end the war in Ukraine.
The top Chinese diplomat made the remarks at the Munich Security Conference, according to an Ukrinform correspondent.
"China's position and stance is clear: all regional hotspot issues should be resolved through dialogue and consultation and we need to find a political settlement. So this holds true for the Ukraine crisis [as it is officially referred to in China] but China is not a party directly involved. We don't have the final say. What we are doing is to promote talks for peace," Wang said.
He added that Beijing is sending messages through every possible channel that it seeks the fastest possible cessation of hostilities and the resumption of dialogue, and it is finally possible to see that peace talks have begun.
"Finally, now we are seeing that the peace talks have begun and I think now real issues are being discussed. We welcome this because without dialogue how can peace ever arrive. If we don't keep dialogue going, a peace deal or treaty will not fall from the sky. So we hope that through our consistent efforts we can reach a comprehensive, durable, lasting and binding peace deal acceptable to all parties," the minister said.
Wang recalled that at last year's Munich Security Conference he insisted on the mandatory participation of European countries in Ukraine peace talks and continues to hold that view.
"Europe should not watch this from the sidelines. Right here in Munich last year, at that time, the United States had started engagement with Russia and Europe seemed to be left watching from the sidelines. And I said then that since the conflict broke out right here in Europe, Europe has every right to participate in the negotiation in due course," he said.
He noted that Europe has now dared to speak with Russia, which he sees as a positive signal and supports, but stressed that dialogue should not be for the sake of dialogue; it must produce results.
"Europe should come up with ideas and plans on how to resolve this issue. And in this process, we need to foster a more balanced, effective and sustainable security architecture for Europe. So by doing this, we are addressing the root causes of the crisis and we can prevent it from reoccurring," Wang said.
"To achieve sustainable and lasting peace, China will in its own way give its full support for the peace process," he added.
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