China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi has arrived in Moscow for high-level talks with Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov, amidst growing uncertainty surrounding a proposed Ukraine ceasefire.
The two officials are expected to meet on Tuesday to discuss strategic cooperation and other international issues, as announced by Chinese officials.
The visit comes just days after Ukraine and Russia agreed, in principle, to a limited ceasefire following discussions involving U.S. President Donald Trump. However, the timing of Wang’s visit has raised questions due to the uncertainty surrounding the proposed truce’s implementation, duration, and scope. Trump, who played a role in facilitating communications between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin, struck a critical tone on Sunday, highlighting tensions.
“There’s tremendous hatred” between the two leaders, Trump remarked, expressing anger over Putin questioning Zelenskyy’s credibility. While Trump claimed progress, his comments also underscored growing tensions within NATO, including strained relations with Canada, currently embroiled in a trade dispute with the U.S.
In contrast, China has maintained a neutral stance on the conflict. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun reiterated that China’s relationship with Russia “does not target a third party and should not be affected by any third party.”
“We always believe that dialogue and negotiation are the only viable way out of the crisis,” Guo emphasized.
While China’s announcement did not directly address the situation in Ukraine, it underscored the intent to “deepen back-to-back strategic coordination” and “expand practical cooperation” with Russia, particularly in regional and international matters.
