China backs proposed US-Russia talks to resolve Ukraine conflict

China has shown its backing for suggested discussions between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, intended to address Russia's ongoing war against Ukraine.

Dpa reports that a representative of the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Thursday that Russia and the United States are both influential powers, and that Beijing appreciates their attempts to improve communication and dialogue regarding international matters.

“Both the US and Russia are powerful players, and China is supportive of their initiatives to bolster communication and discussion on various global matters,” a spokesman was quoted as saying on Thursday.

China has asserted for a long time that negotiations are the only workable solution to the crisis. From the beginning, President Xi Jinping has been advocating for a political resolution to the conflict.

Trump and Putin had a recent phone conversation, during which they concurred on starting talks aimed at ending the conflict.