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China expressed hope that all parties involved in the Russia-Ukraine conflict would participate in peace negotiations. U.S. President Donald Trump is set to hold a summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Friday.
Why It Matters:
China, as Russia’s key strategic partner and dominant ally, wields significant influence over Moscow’s decision-making. Despite stating it has no role in the war, China supports Russia economically through large oil purchases, helping to circumvent Western sanctions.
What to Know:
The Trump-Putin summit will focus on land control in Ukraine, a region that Russia has seized since its full-scale invasion in February 2022. Trump aims to negotiate an end to the conflict. Kyiv and EU allies urge Trump not to agree to any concessions of Ukrainian territory, as they believe such decisions should be made solely by Ukraine.
At a Tuesday press briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian commented on the summit without inviting Ukrainian or European Union representatives:
“China supports all efforts conducive to the peaceful settlement of the crisis. We hope all parties concerned will participate in the negotiation process and reach an early, fair, lasting, and binding peace agreement.”
Russia claims its invasion was justified by Ukraine’s intentions to join NATO and protect ethnic Russians facing persecution. Kyiv and Western allies accuse Russia of imperial warfare to erase Ukrainian sovereignty.
EU leaders issued a joint statement Tuesday urging Trump not to make decisions without involving Ukraine or outside a ceasefire. They stressed:
“A just and lasting peace must respect international law, including principles of independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and that borders must not be changed by force.”
Russia currently controls about one-fifth of Ukrainian territory in the east, captured since February 2022. European allies fear Russia might seek additional land elsewhere if not pressured.
The Trump-Putin summit will take place on Friday, with ongoing fighting along the front lines between Russia and Ukraine.
