Beijing: China, a firm Russian ally, called for a peace talk with Ukraine and said that nuclear weapons must not be used in their conflict.
The Chinese leader described the situation in Ukraine as “deeply worrying” and said the priority should be preventing it from escalating or “spinning out of control”.
Xi also said France and Germany should make efforts to reduce negative effects of the crisis, and expressed concern about the impact of sanctions on the stability of global finance, energy supplies, transportation and supply chains.
China made the comments in a 12-point paper on the “political settlement” of the crisis.
“All parties should support Russia and Ukraine in working in the same direction and resuming direct dialogue as quickly as possible,” said the paper, released on the foreign ministry’s website.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has threatened to use nuclear weapons in the conflict.
China made clear its opposition to not only the use of nuclear weapons, but the threat of deploying them.
“Nuclear weapons must not be used and nuclear wars must not be fought. The threat or use of nuclear weapons should be opposed,” the statement said.
China also highlighted the need to protect civilians.
“Parties to the conflict should strictly abide by international humanitarian law, avoid attacking civilians or civilian facilities,” it said.
China has sought to position itself as a neutral party in the conflict while maintaining close ties with strategic ally Russia.
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