Mao Ning, spokesperson for the Chinese foreign ministry has stressed that Beijing’s absence from Ukraine’s peace summit does not mean a lack of support for peace between Russia and Ukraine.
Her remarks follow an accusation by the Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskiy that Russia and China are trying to weaken his planned global peace summit.
Mao said that some countries who are sending delegations to the conference are not actually interested in ending the fighting.
She asserted that China has never “fanned fire or fueled the flames” when it comes to the Ukraine hostilities, while expressing hope that all sides can understand China’s stance regarding the conference.
Mao explained that it would be “problematic” for China to participate in the summit due to take place at the Burgenstock Resort near Lucerne on June 15 and 16, 2024, because none of the three conditions are likely to be fulfilled at the gathering.
Those conditions are recognition of the event by both Moscow and Kiev, equal participation of all sides, and a fair discussion of all peace proposals.
She added that China believes that all efforts should be recognised in supporting peace measures in the Russia-Ukraine war.
She stated that China attaches great importance to its relations with Ukraine and remains its largest trading partner, adding that China’s position on the peace conference is very “open and transparent.”
“We believe that we can get the understanding and support of all parties,” Mao said.
Moreover, the Spokesperson disclosed that China is ready for mutually beneficial cooperation with Russia on the Power of Siberia-2 gas pipeline project.
The comments came amid reports that progress on the building of the Power of Siberia-2 gas pipeline has stalled. It was reported that the project was deadlocked over China’s requirements on prices and volumes of energy supplies.
Asked about whether the project has been paused, Mao replied, “The search for mutually beneficial common points, deepened integration of interests, achievement of mutual success is a consensus that has been reached by heads of the two countries.”
“We are ready to cooperate with Russia for implementation of this important consensus,” she added.
Beijing means “to permanently deepen mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries in all directions,” Mao added.
Russia hopes the pipeline, which would supply China with Russian gas, can help to address its declining gas exports, which have plummeted since its invasion of Ukraine, leading to record losses for Gazprom.
Zelenskyy To Attend G7 Summit In Italy
Meanwhile, Zelenskyy’s Spokesperson, Sergiy Nikiforov disclosed that the Ukrainian President will participate in the upcoming G7 summit in Italy either online or in person.
A key agenda item of the summit to be held in southern Italy from June 13 to June 15, 2024, will be ways to use profits from frozen Russian assets to help Ukraine.
“Unfortunately, I cannot confirm or deny that the President will physically participate in the G7 summit, but in any case, whether online or physically, there is no doubt that he will be there
“G7 are our main partners. We will raise with them the key topics of our relations, including dialogues in bilateral formats with the G7 states.”
Sergiy Nikiforov
According to Nykyforov, Zelenskyy plans to discuss with the United States, which is Ukraine’s main defense partner, a further increase in defense assistance, further development of the Western aircraft coalition, and steps needed for Ukraine to speed up deliveries of the F-16s.
Also, the strengthening of Ukraine’s air defense with additional systems and interceptors will be one of the key topics for discussion.
“This is the most sensitive topic for our cities and the front. And we will wait for key decisions within the G7,” Nykyforov said.
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