In a joint statement to Chinese and Russian bodies after a meeting in Beijing, Xi said he and Putin consider it “extremely urgent” to find a solution to the situation in Palestine.
The Chinese President called, on behalf of the two leaders, for the “implementation of United Nations resolutions” regarding the conflict.
Putin thanked China for “the initiatives it presented to resolve this problem”, referring to the war in Ukraine, and said he would discuss foreign policy in detail with Xi in a second meeting.
In recent months, the Asian country has expressed its support for the “two-state solution” and its officials have held numerous meetings with representatives of Arab and Muslim countries to reaffirm this position, while at the same time condemning and expressing their “dismay” at the Israeli attacks on civilians in Gaza.
“Both parties agree that a political solution to the ‘crisis’ in Ukraine is the right direction,” Xi Jinping said.
The Chinese leader explained that China’s position on the war, criticized in the West for its ambiguity, is “consistent and clear”.
The Asian giant, which did not condemn the invasion, has repeatedly denied having military ties with Russia in recent months, but called for a conference “recognized by all parties” to resume dialogue.
In February 2022, shortly before the start of the war in Ukraine, Xi and Putin proclaimed in Beijing an “unlimited friendship” between their nations.
The first point of the Chinese peace plan highlighted the importance of “respecting the sovereignty of all countries”, in reference to Ukraine. “Universally recognized international law, including the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter, must be strictly observed”, the proposal reads.
But the Chinese government also called for an end to the “Cold War mentality” — a term often used by Beijing to criticize US foreign policy.
“The security of a region should not be achieved through the strengthening or expansion of military blocs”, the document reads, in an implicit criticism of NATO’s enlargement. “The legitimate interests and security concerns of all countries must be taken seriously and addressed appropriately.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said negotiations must include the restoration of Ukraine’s territorial integrity, the withdrawal of Russian troops, the release of all prisoners, the creation of a court to try those responsible for the aggression and security guarantees for Ukraine.
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