MUNICH, Germany, Feb. 14 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Saturday reiterated China's commitment to promoting peace talks on the Ukraine issue, stressing that Europe has a rightful place at the negotiating table.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks in response to questions about China's role in resolving regional conflicts, particularly the Ukraine crisis, during his speech at the "China in the World" session of the Munich Security Conference.
China's position is very clear: all regional hotspots should be resolved through dialogue and consultation, and the same applies to the Ukraine issue, Wang said.
China is not a party to the conflict and therefore does not hold decision-making power over its outcome, he said, noting that China's contribution lies in encouraging peace and facilitating talks. Chinese special envoys have been dispatched to mediate and Beijing has urged all sides, through various channels, to agree to a ceasefire and return to the negotiating table as soon as possible, he said.
Wang noted it was encouraging to see that dialogue among the relevant parties had recently resumed, particularly with discussions beginning to focus on substantive issues of the Ukraine crisis. While acknowledging that significant differences in positions remain and that peace cannot be achieved overnight, he emphasized that dialogue is essential for any prospect of lasting peace. Without sustained talks, he said, a peace agreement would not come about automatically.
China, he added, continues to support all efforts aimed at peace and will keep playing a constructive role in its own way.
Wang also said Europe should not remain a bystander in the process. He recalled that after dialogue between the United States and Russia began early last year, Europe appeared to have been sidelined. Since the conflict is taking place on European soil, he said, Europe has the right and should participate in the negotiations. Europe should not be on the menu, but at the table, he said.
China, Wang said, supports Europe in engaging in dialogue with Russia and in putting forward its own proposals and solutions. Through addressing root causes, he added, a more balanced, effective and sustainable European security architecture should be built to prevent similar conflicts in the future and achieve lasting peace and stability on the continent. ■
