Munich: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has called for the European Union to actively participate in peace negotiations aimed at ending the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, Wang stressed the importance of Europe being "not on the menu" but "at the table" in these critical discussions.
According to Anadolu Agency, Wang emphasized that Europe should not merely observe the situation from the sidelines. He highlighted that during the previous year's Munich Security Conference, the United States had already started engaging with Russia, while Europe appeared to be left out. Wang urged Europe to assert its right to participate in the negotiations, stating that new ideas and plans are needed from the European side.
Wang clarified that China is not directly involved in the conflict but supports dialogue for peace. He acknowledged the ongoing trilateral dialogue between the US, Russia, and Ukraine aimed at resolving the war, which began in February 2022. Wang also emphasized the importance of the EU and China working together as partners, rather than as systemic rivals or strategic competitors.
Addressing the broader international context, Wang underscored the necessity of practicing multilateralism and safeguarding the authority of the United Nations. He warned against unilateral practices and block confrontations, stressing the importance of free trade. The Chinese foreign minister also praised the UN for its role in maintaining a multilateral foundation critical to the survival and development of medium and small-sized countries.
Wang discussed the challenges facing the international system, attributing its dysfunction to certain countries that amplify differences and disagreements. He called on major countries to lead by advancing cooperation, observing rules, promoting equality, and encouraging openness.
In addition to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Wang touched on other global issues, including the need for a two-state solution in Gaza and the impact of the situation in Iran on Middle Eastern peace. He stressed the international community's responsibility to restore justice to the Palestinian people and highlighted the direct impact of Iran's situation on regional stability.
The Munich Security Conference, a three-day event, gathers heads of state, government ministers, and senior officials from around the world to discuss pressing global security issues. Wang also addressed the future of US-China relations, presenting two divergent paths: one of cooperation and mutual benefit, and the other of decoupling and conflict.
Wang expressed hope for the former, advocating for a positive and pragmatic policy from Washington toward China. He warned that seeking to decouple from China and opposing it on various fronts could push the two nations toward conflict. Nonetheless, China remains prepared to address all kinds of risks in the evolving geopolitical landscape.