China Urges Russia and Ukraine to Sustain Momentum in Ongoing Peace Talks

A senior Chinese diplomat issued a stark warning on Friday, cautioning that the continued influx of advanced weaponry onto the Russia-Ukraine battlefield threatens to intensify hostilities and further prolong the conflict. The warning comes as direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine are reportedly underway, yet both sides have ramped up their military capacities with increasingly lethal and destructive arms.

Speaking at the United Nations Security Council, Geng Shuang, China’s deputy permanent representative, emphasized that escalation through arms is counterproductive to global hopes for peace. “It is not conducive to achieving a ceasefire and ending the war, and runs counter to the common expectations of the international community,” Geng said. He urged all parties involved to actively create an atmosphere that favors peace talks, emphasizing the need for supportive conditions rather than fueling military entrenchment.

Geng directly addressed recent criticisms from the United States, firmly rejecting what he described as misinformation and political smears regarding China’s stance on the conflict. “U.S. attacks against China are not based on facts and are not aimed at any solution at all. Rather, they are based on their own political agenda. It is utter political manipulation,” he stated. Geng insisted that China has neither supplied lethal weapons to any participant in the conflict nor allowed the transfer of dual-use items that could escalate fighting.

Placing responsibility on Washington, Geng declared, “The United States bears major responsibility for the outbreak and continuation of the conflict” and called for the U.S. to focus on diplomatic efforts instead of engaging in “the boring blame game.” Geng reiterated that China’s position on Ukraine remains unwavering: early in the crisis, Beijing called for dialogue, negotiations, and a political resolution, continuously engaging both Moscow and Kyiv in pursuit of these aims.

Highlighting China’s commitment alongside other nations from the Global South, Geng voiced Beijing's intent to play a constructive role in achieving genuine peace. He extended support for the recent direct meetings between Russian and Ukrainian officials, including a round of discussions held in Istanbul and agreements on prisoner exchanges. With a second round of talks reportedly imminent, China said it welcomed these positive steps and reinforced its backing for all peace-focused initiatives.

Geng concluded by urging both Russia and Ukraine to sustain the momentum of dialogue and demonstrate the necessary political will to reach a comprehensive settlement, addressing the root causes of the conflict through negotiation and consultation. He also underscored the imperative for all conflicting parties to adhere strictly to international humanitarian law, specifically calling for the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure at all times.