Russia's Foreign Ministry voiced appreciation Friday for the Chinese peace proposal on Ukraine, saying Moscow is open to achieving the goals of its so-called "special military operation" through political and diplomatic means.
In the newly released position paper, China’s Foreign Ministry called for a resumption of peace talks and an end to unilateral sanctions, and stressed its opposition to the use of nuclear weapons.
"We share Beijing's views," Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement. It went on to call Kyiv's "documented refusal" to negotiate the "main obstacle" to a peaceful settlement.
China's 12-point proposal has been met with skepticism by Ukraine's allies because of its refusal to acknowledge the nature of the conflict – it has so far avoided calling it an “invasion” – and its diplomatic and economic support for Moscow.
But Russia praised "the sincere desire" of China to contribute to the settlement of the conflict in Ukraine by peaceful means. And it said that Moscow shares concerns with its Chinese colleagues about "unfair competition and economic warfare" being leveled against Russia.
The Russian statement said the prospect of peace would rest, in part, on the cessation of Western weapons flowing into Ukraine, and "on the recognition of new territorial realities," in an apparent allusion to Russia's annexation of four Ukrainian territories in defiance of international law.
What China's proposal says: In its newly released plan, China reiterates calls for a political settlement to the Ukraine conflict, even as it faces increasing pressure from the United States and its allies over its growing partnership with Moscow.
“Conflict and war benefit no one. All parties must stay rational and exercise restraint, avoid fanning the flames and aggravating tensions, and prevent the crisis from deteriorating further or even spiraling out of control,” the paper reads.
“Dialogue and negotiation are the only viable solution to the Ukraine crisis,” the authors said, adding that China will play a “constructive role."
“The security of a region should not be achieved by strengthening or expanding military blocs. The legitimate security interests and concerns of all countries must be taken seriously and addressed properly,” the paper added.