Beijing will not attend the Ukraine peace conference hosted by Switzerland in mid-June, the Chinese Foreign Ministry has said.
The event would be “difficult” to attend because some of the “important” conditions for China to take part were not met, including the participation of both Russia and Ukraine, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at a press briefing on Friday.
The conference is scheduled for June 15-16 at the Burgenstock Resort near Lucerne. More than 160 countries have been invited, including members of the G7, G20, BRICS, and the EU, with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau among the leaders confirming their attendance.
Moscow has not been invited, although it has said it would not attend even if it were, arguing that the summit will revolve around Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky’s so-called ‘peace formula’. The ten-point initiative calls for Moscow to withdraw from all territory Kiev claims as its own and for a tribunal to be set up to prosecute Russian officials for alleged war crimes.
Moscow has dismissed the initiative, calling it “detached from reality.”
Mao said China has always insisted that peace talks to resolve the conflict should have “three important elements: Recognition by Russia and Ukraine, equal participation by all parties, and fair discussion of all peace plans, otherwise it will be difficult to play a substantive role in restoring peace.”
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@D1plom4tHalRepublican2yrs2Y
China's involvement would have undermined the entire event. As russia's primary ally and supporter, china has consistently misrepresented its position and supported russia's actions in Ukraine.
@K3ynesianGarySocialist2yrs2Y
Agree. Also China is too powerful, and without US at the talks, China would dominate.
At least Europe can promote peace and set peace conditions about a war in Europe. Which is how it should be.
@ResoluteCabinetPatriot2yrs2Y
China would present its tired kindergarten peace talking points that of course favor the Russian Terrorist State. They will not be missed as you said.
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