Special representative of the Chinese government on Eurasia Affairs, Li Hui, is embarking on global peace talks to end the crisis in Ukraine.
Speaking exclusively to The Star in Pretoria on the weekend, Ambassador Li highlighted China’s four rounds of shuttle diplomacy, engaging with various parties, including Brazil, South Africa, Indonesia, and others to exchange views on the Ukraine crisis and promote peace talks.
“We believe that if more people join the call, there will be greater hope for de-escalating the situation, and we will be closer to resuming peace talks and restoring peace,” he told “The Star”.
He emphasised the importance of the Global South in promoting world peace and development.
“Brazil, SA, Indonesia, and China are important members of the Global South and important forces in promoting world peace and development. We all uphold an objective and impartial position on the Ukraine crisis, and we are all committed to promoting a political settlement through dialogue and negotiation,” he said.
Brazil, South Africa and China are part of BRICS, which also includes India and Russia, which is at the centre of the crisis.
Li also took a swipe at Western countries, criticising them for fuelling the flames and imposing sanctions, which hinder peace efforts.
“Some countries view the conflict through the lens of Cold War mentality, camp confrontation, which can’t help solve the crisis. China always stands ready to pave the way for a ceasefire,” he said.
He defended its normal economic and trade co-operation with Russia, stating that it is based on equality and mutual benefit, and rejected US criticism and sanctions.
“China and Brazil/SA/Indonesia carry out normal economic and trade co-operation with Russia on the basis of equality and mutual benefit, which are our lawful rights and interests.”
Tackling the Chinese absence from the Ukraine peace summit, Li cited the lack of recognition by both Russia and Ukraine, unequal participation, and unfair discussion of peace plans.
“Facts have proven that in promoting peace talks, China is the most resolute and the most active one,” he said.
He added that China promoted the six common understandings on the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis, jointly issued with Brazil, which emphasises de-escalation, peace talks, humanitarian assistance, and safeguards for energy, finance, trade, and food security.
“More than 110 countries have responded positively, demonstrating that the six common understandings are consistent with the shared aspirations of most countries.”
Li stressed the need to create conditions for direct dialogue and negotiation between Russia and Ukraine, welcoming efforts by countries such as South Africa and Hungary to promote peace talks.
“We hope all major countries, including the United States, can inject positive rather than negative energy.”
He refrained from commenting on the US presidential election but emphasised the need for all major countries, including the US, to inject positive energy into promoting peace talks.
“Only by doing so can the light of a ceasefire be seen at an early date.”
The Star