By KYIV. Dec 20 (Interfax-Ukraine) – Chinese President Xi Jinping said in a telephone conversation with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier that the Chinese authorities consider it necessary to hold peace talks on Ukraine, since neither side benefits from the continuation and aggravation of the crisis around this country.
"The speakers exchanged views on the Ukrainian crisis. Xi Jinping said that the Chinese authorities are in favor of negotiations for peace, they believe that a prolonged and growing conflict is not in anyone’s interests," CGTN reported.
At the same time, the Chinese leader noted that he supports Europe’s steps to achieve strategic autonomy, build effective and sustainable European security architecture and establish long-term stability and peace on the continent.
In turn, according to the official website of the President of Germany, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, in a conversation with Xi Jinping, stressed Germany’s determination to continue supporting Ukraine. He said Europe would stand its ground in the face of Russian threats and took steps to counter the energy crisis. Russian aggression strengthened Ukraine’s defenses and Europe’s cohesion, and Putin miscalculated in this regard, Steinmeier said.
The federal president thanked President Xi Jinping for his clear rejection of Russian nuclear threats. The Federal President emphasized the common interest of China and Europe in ending the war, as well as in preserving the sovereignty of Ukraine and the necessary withdrawal of Russian troops for this.
He asked Xi Jinping to use his influence in Russia and urge Putin to act accordingly.
