Norway has urged China to use its close ties with Moscow to help push Russia toward negotiations to end its war against Ukraine, warning that Beijing’s partnership with the Kremlin remains a major obstacle to deeper cooperation with Europe.
Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre delivered the message after meeting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Oslo, where Ukraine dominated the talks, Reuters reported. Støre said China has unusually direct access to Russia’s leadership and should use that channel to encourage movement toward a negotiated settlement.
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Støre described Beijing as having the “best and most direct access” to Russia’s leadership and urged China to use that position. He also warned that Europe-China cooperation will remain limited as long as Russia’s war continues and Beijing stays closely aligned with Moscow.
Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide, who met Wang earlier Monday, described the dialogue with Beijing on ending the war as constructive and promising. Asked whether China had signaled a willingness to help bring Russia to the table, Eide said there were “hints” in Beijing’s position, without speaking on China’s behalf.
Oslo backs talks without preconditions
Norwegian officials said any negotiations should begin without preconditions, starting with a ceasefire along the current front line in Ukraine.
Støre framed that as a significant step by Kyiv because such a ceasefire would still leave Russian forces inside Ukrainian territory.
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“That is, in itself, a major concession from Ukraine’s side,” he said, according to Reuters.
China avoids Russia in its readout
China’s official readout of Wang’s meeting in Norway did not mention Russia or Ukraine, instead focusing on trade, green technology and broader cooperation.
According to Chinese state media, Wang said Beijing wanted to work with Norway to promote what it called a more just and reasonable global governance system.
Wang’s visit to Norway followed stops in Denmark, Sweden and Finland, part of a broader Nordic tour by China’s foreign minister.
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