“China has refuted accusations from Kyiv suggesting it is discouraging nations from gracing the supposed global peace convention in Switzerland set to take place this month. Meanwhile, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, president of Ukraine pursues garnering backing for the event in southeast Asia.
Reportedly, Ukraine has received confirmation of attendance by 107 states and bodies at the gathering set for June 15th-16th, with Russia being conspicuously absent from the invitee list. The Ukrainian government aims to secure widespread global support for its proposal to end war and later present it to Moscow at a subsequent summit.
The Kremlin, however, views any war discourse as futile without its involvement, and China has refrained from participating, stating that any such summit should receive the backing and participation of both Moscow and Kyiv and should contemplate all established peace plans. An extended peace proposal that doesn’t explicitly demand the evacuation of Russian troops from Ukraine has been tabled by Beijing.
During a security gathering in Singapore, Zelenskiy voiced on Sunday that China is “hindering countries from attending the peace meeting,” accusing Russia of exploiting China and its diplomats as an instrument to sabotage the event.
Mao Ning, spokeswoman for the Chinese foreign ministry, stated on Monday, “China’s stance on the peace convention is impartial and justified … Dominance and power manoeuvring are not part of China’s diplomatic approach. The notion of China exerting pressure on other nations doesn’t exist.”
She also added, “China endorses all endeavours that are favourable to the peaceful resolution of the crisis… China’s decision to participate relies purely on our evaluation of the meeting itself.”
“China earnestly wishes that a peace meeting will not metamorphose into a platform instigating bloc conflict. Non-attendance doesn’t signify absence of peace support. Some countries may attend but their intention of wanting the conflict to cease may not be genuine… China has never remained passive or kindled the flames, much less taken advantage for gain from the conflict.”
China dismisses accusations from the west claiming it backs Kremlin’s war operations by permitting Chinese companies to trade substantial quantities of dual-purpose equipment – elements, inclusive of electronics, serving both civil and military uses – with Russia. Despite declaring neutrality in the conflict, the relationship with Moscow has been reinforced by China, stated as having “no limits”.
Zelenskiy, after promoting the Swiss peace meeting in Singapore, journeyed to the Philippines and held a tête-à-tête with its president, Ferdinand Marcos Jr.”
“I am pleased to acknowledge your commitment to partake in our pacification endeavours,” he remarked after their discussion. “It sends an extremely powerful message.”
Mr Marcos asserted, “In our own corner of the globe, we’ve consistently advocated for continued compliance with international laws… The challenges you’re dealing with echo ours, thus the Philippines always promotes peace.”
Authorities from Ukraine reported that a Russian air raid on the eastern province of Donetsk on Monday tragically resulted in the death of two people, one of which was a child of just 12 years. Further havoc ensued in the adjacent Kharkiv region where a rocket assault claimed another life.