China insists on Russia's participation in Ukraine peace conference

Xi Jinping (Getty Images)

China supports the convening of an international peace conference on Ukraine but insists on Russia’s participation, according to the head of China, Xi Jinping.

During a meeting with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Beijing, Xi Jinping urged all parties to work together to swiftly restore peace and prevent the escalation of the “conflict” from spiraling out of control.

Xi Jinping informed Scholz that China supports all efforts towards a peaceful resolution, including the organization of an international peace conference, recognized by both Russia and Ukraine, with equal participation from all sides.

Global peace summit

Switzerland will host a two-day Global Peace Summit from June 15 to 16, with leaders from 100 countries expected to participate. Russia will not be part of it.

Ukraine’s allies also consider China’s presence crucial for the success of the meeting given Beijing’s perceived influence over Moscow during the over two-year conflict. However, China’s participation in the Global peace summit remains uncertain.

Beijing has provided diplomatic and economic support to Russia since the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Trade between the countries has surged, with Moscow circumventing Western sanctions with Beijing’s assistance.