China Calls for Cease-Fire and Peace Talks in Ukraine Conflict

China has released a 12-point document calling for a cease-fire between Ukraine and Russia and the opening of peace talks. The proposal, issued by the Chinese Foreign Ministry on Friday, also urges the end of Western sanctions imposed on Russia and measures to ensure nuclear facilities.

The document comes amid Western concerns that China may be considering providing Russia with military support. China has maintained a “no limits” relationship with Russia and has refused to criticize its invasion of Ukraine or even refer to it as such, while accusing the West of provoking the conflict and “fanning the flames” by providing Ukraine with defensive arms.

The proposal also calls for the establishment of humanitarian corridors for the evacuation of civilians and steps to ensure the export of grain, after disruptions caused global food prices to spike. China has stressed its opposition to the use of nuclear weapons and urged all parties to “stay rational and exercise restraint, avoid fanning the flames and aggravating tensions, and prevent the crisis from deteriorating further or even spiraling out of control.”

The proposal comes as tensions between Ukraine and Russia remain high, with both sides accusing each other of violating the cease-fire. China has maintained a neutral stance on the conflict, but its proposal could help to de-escalate the situation and bring the two sides back to the negotiating table. It remains to be seen whether the proposal will be accepted by both sides and lead to a peaceful resolution of the conflict.