China responds to Zelenskyy’s criticism over energy cooperation with Russia
Photo: Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian (Getty Images)
China has responded to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's statements regarding Beijing’s reluctance to take part in efforts to resolve the war peacefully and its growing imports of Russian energy, according to Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian.
Ahead of his visit to the United States, Zelenskyy said he did not see China showing readiness to join the peace process. He also pointed out that Beijing has increased its imports of Russian energy, while Moscow uses the revenues to wage war.
Commenting on these remarks, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said that since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Beijing has maintained close contact with all parties, including Ukraine and Russia, and has consistently advocated for a ceasefire and the launch of peace talks.
According to Lin, these efforts are evident to the international community, and "China will continue to support all initiatives aimed at achieving peace."
At the same time, Lin Jian did not provide specific examples of China's effective involvement in peace processes related to Ukraine, but assured that Beijing would continue to play a "constructive role."
"China supports all efforts that contribute to peace and will continue to play a constructive role in this regard," the diplomat said.
Background
On December 27, Zelenskyy told journalists that China is currently not demonstrating readiness to engage in a peaceful settlement of the war. He said Beijing’s actions are instead strengthening Russia’s financial capacity to continue its aggression against Ukraine.
According to the Ukrainian President, China has significantly increased its purchases of Russian energy resources, becoming their largest importer.
"Russia spends the money it earns from exporting energy on the war," Zelenskyy stressed.
