China has expressed its expectation for “all parties” involved in the Ukraine conflict to engage in peace negotiations, coinciding with discussions between top diplomats from the US and Russia in Saudi Arabia aimed at resolving Moscow’s aggression against its neighbor, from which Kyiv and its European allies have been excluded.

“China supports all initiatives aimed at achieving peace, including the agreement on negotiations reached by the United States and Russia,” stated Guo Jiakun, spokesperson for the foreign ministry, during a regular press briefing.

“Additionally, China anticipates that all involved parties and stakeholders will take part in the negotiation process promptly.”

China has consistently aimed to establish itself as a potential mediator in the conflict, advocating for its own broadly defined proposal to resolve the war. However, its efforts have been overshadowed in the West by its increasingly close relationship with Moscow.