China voices its version of reasons for Russia's war against Ukraine

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning made the statement at a briefing.

Commenting on the visit of Chinese Special Representative Li Hui to Berlin, she said that Russia's war against Ukraine is a tragedy that could have been avoided.

"There are painful lessons that all parties should truly reflect upon. The Ukraine crisis is essentially an eruption of the problems built up in the security governance of Europe. China always makes its own judgment independently based on the merits of the issue," Mao Ning said.

The diplomat also added that China stands firmly on the side of peace and dialogue and will remain committed to promoting peace talks.

• Earlier, China presented the so-called peace plan, which calls the war in Ukraine a "crisis.”

• Special Representative of the Government of the People's Republic of China Li Hui visited Ukraine on May 17.

• On May 19, EU Council President Charles Michel called on China to "put pressure on Russia to stop its military aggression" in Ukraine. According to him, Beijing has influence on Russia