China’s envoy sees ‘significant gap’ between Ukraine, Russia on peace talks

China sees major differences between Russia and Ukraine on the idea of a negotiated settlement to end the war, Beijing’s Eurasia envoy Li Hui said Friday after wrapping up a tour.

Beijing has sought to position itself as a mediator in the Ukraine conflict, calling for a “political settlement” and holding several rounds of talks.

But while China says it is neutral in the conflict, it has been criticised for refusing to condemn strategic partner Russia for its invasion of Ukraine.

Briefing media and diplomats in Beijing after his trip to Russia, Ukraine and EU states, envoy Li said he saw a “significant gap” between Kyiv and Moscow on the subject of peace talks.

Despite the “bumpy road ahead”, he said, “at the end they all agree that the war must be resolved through negotiations rather than guns”.

All parties, he said, “recognise the danger of the current situation continuing to deteriorate”.

“And they all agree with China’s call for the situation to cool down,” he added, saying they “expect China to play a more constructive role”.

In recent talks in Russia, Li said Friday, Moscow said it “appreciates China’s second round of global diplomacy”.

Moscow also believes “the crisis ultimately needs to be resolved through negotiation”, Li said.