China Urges Ukraine, Russia to Resume Peace Talks

China called on Ukraine and Russia to resume peace talks “as soon as possible” and reiterated its support for an immediate ceasefire during a UN Security Council meeting on Monday, June 30.

Speaking at the meeting, China’s deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, Sun Lei, urged both sides to return to negotiations and demonstrate the political will needed to reach a peaceful settlement in line with the principles of the UN Charter.

“China continues to call for an immediate ceasefire and the resumption of peace talks,” Sun said.

Sun also urged Kyiv and Moscow to demonstrate the political will needed to reach a peaceful settlement, saying efforts to find a diplomatic solution should begin without delay.

He added that the war’s humanitarian impact continues to worsen, with civilians bearing the brunt of the fighting.

Beijing renews calls for negotiations

According to Sun, China believes diplomacy remains the only viable path to ending the war and urged both Russia and Ukraine to resume direct dialogue without delay.

The remarks come as negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow remain stalled, with no new round of talks announced.

The latest round of talks involving Ukraine, Russia and the United States took place in Geneva on Feb. 17. Russia later said the negotiating process had stalled amid escalating tensions surrounding Iran.

China has consistently portrayed itself as a neutral party in Russia’s war against Ukraine while calling for a political settlement.

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Beijing’s most significant attempt at mediation came in 2024, when it sent its special representative for Eurasian affairs, Li Hui, on a “shuttle diplomacy” tour. The tour did not lead to any substantial steps towards de-escalation.

China has never condemned Russia’s full-scale invasion and has continued to strengthen economic and diplomatic ties with Moscow.

Western governments and intelligence agencies have repeatedly accused China of providing indirect support to Russia’s war effort through trade, financial cooperation and diplomatic backing.

Officials have also said Chinese companies continue supplying Russia with dual-use goods, including microelectronics, machine tools, optical equipment, drones and drone components, and communications technology that can support Moscow’s defense industry.

In one leaked call in April, Russian ministry officials were heard confirming that China supplies “90 percent” of drone electronics.

Beijing has denied providing military assistance to Russia and has protested against EU sanctions on private Chinese firms for supplying Moscow.