Chinese special envoy in Brussels for Ukraine peace talks

China's special envoy on Tuesday held separate talks with an EU official and a diplomat of Switzerland over peace talks on the Ukraine crisis in Brussels, the second leg of his second round of shuttle diplomacy in Europe.

Li Hui, special representative of the Chinese government on Eurasian affairs, and Simon Mordue, chief foreign policy advisor to the president of the European Council, had a candid and in-depth exchange of views on the situation of the Ukraine crisis, peace talks and other issues of mutual interest and concern.

During their talks, Li also expressed to the European side China's stern position of firmly opposing the EU's unilateral sanctions and "long-arm jurisdiction" against Chinese enterprises.

On Tuesday, Li and Gabriel Luechinger, head of the International Security Division at the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, held constructive communication on the Ukraine peace talks and Switzerland's preparations for a peace conference.

Li said he appreciated what Switzerland has done to promote peace talks.

Special Representative of the Chinese Government on Eurasian Affairs Li Hui (R) holds talks with Gabriel Luechinger, head of the International Security Division at the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, in Brussels, Belgium, March 5, 2024. /Chinese Foreign Ministry

The Chinese special envoy also briefed Luechinger about his previous communications with relevant countries and said that China will continue to mediate among the parties, build consensus and work with Switzerland and the international community at large to promote an early ceasefire.

Luechinger, for his part, thanked China for its unremitting efforts in promoting peace talks and appreciated the series of positive suggestions China has proposed.

Switzerland is willing to continue to strengthen communication with China to pave the way for peace, he said.

Li visited Russia on Saturday and will also visit Poland, Ukraine, Germany and France in the trip that has come shortly after the second anniversary of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

The Chinese special envoy visited Ukraine, Poland, France, Germany, Brussels and Russia last May in his first round of shuttle diplomacy on the crisis.