Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday, expressing support for Moscow’s efforts to hold a summit with the U.S. aimed at ending the war in Ukraine, according to Chinese state broadcaster CCTV.
During the call, Putin provided Xi with an update on Russia’s latest contacts with the U.S., though no further details were disclosed. Xi stated that “China is pleased to see that Russia and relevant parties have made positive efforts to resolve the crisis,” CCTV reported. The Kremlin added that China “expressed support” for the dialogue between Russia and the U.S. and signaled its willingness to assist in a peaceful resolution.
The call came as a dozen European and Canadian leaders traveled to Kyiv on Monday to mark the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion and demonstrate their support for Ukraine.
Xi reiterated China’s position on the conflict, highlighting the “Friends of Peace” group established last September alongside several nations to advance peace efforts. He also referenced the joint peace plan China and Brazil proposed last year, which calls for a peace conference including both Ukraine and Russia while rejecting further battlefield escalation.
Xi and Putin have maintained a close relationship, reflected in deepening economic ties between their countries. With Western sanctions limiting Moscow’s trade options, China has become a key buyer of Russian oil and gas and a crucial supplier of advanced technologies.
