Xi Jinping: China will promote “own initiatives” for peace in Ukraine
12 August 16:29
on August 12, Chinese President Xi Jinping said that China would act “in its own way” to resolve the war in Ukraine and would encourage the Friends of Peace group, created together with Brazil, to play a more active role in this process.
He said this during a telephone conversation with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports, citing the Chinese Foreign Ministry.
The main part of the talks was devoted to bilateral cooperation and the activities of the BRICS, where Brazil holds the presidency this year. Xi criticized “unilateralism and protectionism,” the terms Beijing uses to describe the tariff policy of the Donald Trump administration, including the imposition of 50% duties on Brazilian imports.
The Chinese leader emphasized the need for unity in the Global South to protect international justice and the rights of developing countries. He called for continued joint work on global challenges, including preparations for the upcoming UN Climate Change Conference in Belém.
Regarding Russia’s war against Ukraine, which Xi mentioned only once, he emphasized the importance of a political settlement and called on the Friends of Peace to play a greater role. He did not comment on the meeting between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin scheduled for Friday in Alaska.
The Brazilian president also made no mention of the upcoming summit, instead emphasizing Brazil’s unwavering stance in defending its sovereignty and praising China’s role in defending multilateralism.
Last year, China and Brazil presented a “six-point consensus” for peace in Ukraine and initiated the creation of the “Friends of Peace” group to unite the efforts of the Global South in resolving the conflict.
