China’s Xi Asks Putin to Negotiate with Ukraine

Chinese President Xi Jinping has asked Russian President Vladimir Putin to talk with Ukraine in a major diplomatic move, despite Beijing's lack of strong support for the ongoing conflict.

"The situation in eastern Ukraine has shifted dramatically, attracting a lot of international attention." According to Chinese official broadcaster CCTV, Xi informed Putin on Friday that China's attitude would be based on what is right and wrong in relation to the Ukraine issue.

"China supports Russia and Ukraine in settling the issue via diplomacy," Xi said in additional statements that are certain to anger the Kremlin.

While China views Russia as a key ally, the Kremlin's war puts Beijing in a difficult position, given Beijing's reluctance to approve the violation of Ukraine's sovereignty.

"China remains consistent in its core position on respecting other countries' sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as the United Nations Charter's objectives and values," Xi added.

Notably, Xi's readout made no mention of China's previous attempts to blame regional problems on NATO expansion or US influence, though he did say: "It is necessary to abandon the Cold War mentality, attach importance to and respect the legitimate security concerns of all countries, and form a balanced, effective, and sustainable European security mechanism through negotiations."

"China is willing to collaborate with all members of the international community to promote a shared, comprehensive, cooperative, and long-term security concept," he said.

Putin was also quoted in Chinese media as stating that Russia "is willing to initiate" high-level talks with Ukraine, but it's unclear whether he put any conditions on it or when that would happen.