Xi calls for dialogue in Ukraine through dialogue with Putin

SHENYANG, China - Chinese President Xi Jinping called for a solution to the Ukrainian crisis through dialogue during his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Monday.

Against a backdrop of friction with the United States, Xi aims to show his stance as a proactive mediator of peace and to expand his influence over developing and emerging countries that have avoided being involved in sanctions against Russia.

Most countries support easing tensions, stand for peace talks, and are against adding fuel to the fire, Xi said during his meeting with Putin on Monday.

While showing his support for Russia by opposing Western-led sanctions, he said it was important not to give up efforts for dialogue. In Xi's article released Monday in Russian Gazette ahead of his visit, Xi characterized his visit to Russia as a journey of friendship, cooperation and peace. Some observers have been speculating that Xi may hold online or telephone talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy after the visit.

According to a Chinese Foreign Ministry source, China has recently engaged in full-fledged diplomatic activities as a responsible superpower, which has led to China s role as a mediator in the normalization of diplomatic relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia this month.

The content of China's 12 point proposal for the Political Settlement of the Ukraine Crisis is pro-Russian. It does not mention Ukrainian demands for the complete withdrawal of Russian troops from the nation and the return of all its territories, leaving a wide gap between China's proposal and Ukraine's position.

Although it won't be easy for Russia and Ukraine to initiate a dialogue or achieve a ceasefire, China hopes that Xi's visit to Russia will leave an impression among developing and emerging countries that China is a great power, according to a Chinese newspaper executive. China is likely to strengthen cooperation with Russia to secure stable supplies of oil and natural gas.

Xi's visit is considered an achievement for Putin. Putin said on Monday that he respects China's 12 point proposal. Russia may use it to gain ground in order to end its invasion, although the United States and Europe are critical of China's proposal.

Russia is believed to have a desire to obtain weapons from China, which could affect the situation in Ukraine.