Sunak calls on Xi Jinping to hold talks with Zelenskyy

The PM commented on China’s role in the Russian war on Ukraine speaking before the cross-party Commons Liaison Committee, Daily Mail reports.

Sunak also questioned the credibility of a Chinese ‘peace plan’ for Ukraine, urging Xi Jinping to speak directly to Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

“We urge Xi Jinping to speak directly to President Zelenskyy about any specific peace proposal that China is interested in offering... It would be right for China to engage directly with Ukraine on this issue,” he said.

The PM noted that China's recent actions have undermined its status as a neutral party and called for constructive actions in this direction. He also pointed out that he welcomed support for Ukraine's territorial integrity.

“There were various points in China's peace proposal, and their support for Ukraine's territorial integrity is indeed to be commended. But, as I have already said, their other actions and statements have undermined their credibility as a neutral party in this matter,” the prime minister said.

Sunak urged President Xi Jinping to “use his influence with Putin to end this war.”

“It's clear that Russia is dependent on China,” he said, and “we would ask President Xi to use his influence with Putin to urge him to end this war and withdraw from Ukraine as a precondition to any negotiations”.

• The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs commented on Russia's intention to deploy tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus. Beijing does not approve of this decision.