China's Xi tells Zelensky talks and negotiation are ‘only way out’
2 min read . Updated: 26 Apr 2023, 06:21 PM IST
Premium- China to send special representative to visit Ukraine
Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday spoke to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on the phone and advised that talks and negotiation were the "only way out" of the war.
"Xi Jinping had a phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky," state broadcaster CCTV said and added, “Xi told Zelensky that "talks and negotiation" were the "only way out" of the war."
China also said it would be sending a special representative to visit Ukraine and conduct talks with all parties to resolve the Ukraine crisis.
“There is no winner in a nuclear war," the report said. “All parties concerned should remain calm and restrained in dealing with the nuclear issue and truly look at the future and destiny of themselves and humanity as a whole and work together to manage the crisis."
Meanwhile, Zelensky said he had a "long and meaningful" phone call with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday -- the first between the two leaders since the start of Russia's invasion.
"I had a long and meaningful phone call with President Xi Jinping," Zelensky said on Twitter in a tweet that was confirmed to AFP by a presidency official.
The talks between the two leaders underscore Beijing’s efforts to portray itself as a neutral mediator as Russian President Vladimir Putin’s war extends into its second year. China recently put forward a 12-point cease-fire proposal that was quickly dismissed by Kyiv’s allies as being a one-sided deal that would benefit the Kremlin.
Meanwhile, Moscow has shown no sign of stopping its attacks, and continues to claim portions of eastern Ukraine and Crimea as its territory after holding illegal referendums on annexation. A cease-fire would freeze Russian troops in place on Ukrainian territory and is seen by Kyiv as a non-starter. Zelenskiy has vowed to continue fighting until they depart.
Dialog and negotiations are the only viable option and China has always stood on the side of peace, Yu said. China is highly concerned about humanitarian conditions in Ukraine, he added.
(With inputs from agencies)