Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused China on Sunday of helping Russia to disrupt an upcoming Swiss-organized peace conference on the war in Ukraine.
Speaking at Asia鈥檚 premier security conference, Zelenskyy said that China is pressuring other countries and their leaders not to attend the upcoming talks. He did not say which ones.
鈥淩ussia, using Chinese influence in the region, using Chinese diplomats also, does everything to disrupt the peace summit,鈥 he said at a news conference at the Shangri-La defence forum. 鈥淩egrettably this is unfortunate that such a big independent powerful country as China is an instrument in the hands of (Russian leader Vladimir) Putin.鈥
China has staked out what it says is a neutral position on the war, putting it at odds with Ukraine, the United States and most of Europe. Its trade with Russia has grown, easing the economic impact of Western sanctions. And American, Ukrainian and other intelligence agencies say there is evidence that Chinese parts are winding up in Russian weaponry, even if China is not directly arming its neighbor.
The Swiss had been hoping China would attend the peace conference in mid-June, but Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning signaled on Friday that that was unlikely. China has been calling for a peace conference with equal participation of all sides, including Russia, which has not been invited.
鈥淭here is still a clear gap between the arrangements for the meeting and the demands of the Chinese side, as well as the general expectations of the international community,鈥 Mao said. 鈥淭his makes it difficult for China to participate in the meeting.鈥
The foreign ministry did not respond immediately to a request for comment on Zelenskyy's accusation.
The Ukrainian leader said of China's pressure on others, 鈥淭hat is not only support to Russia, that is basically support of war.鈥
In a speech to the security conference earlier in the day, Zelenskyy urged top defence officials to attend the upcoming talks in Switzerland, saying he was disappointed at the failure of some countries to commit to joining.
Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun spoke before Zelenskyy at the Shangri-La conference but he did not appear to be in the room when Zelenskyy made his appeal.
Zelenskyy said that Ukraine had proposals to make at the summit as a basis for peace, addressing nuclear security, food security, the release of prisoners of war and the return of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy disembarks from his airplane after landing at the military airport in Lisbon, for a official visit to Portugal, Tuesday, May 28, 2024. (Tiago Petinga, Pool Photo via AP)
鈥淭ime is running out, and the children are growing up in the Putin-land where they are taught to hate their homeland,鈥 he said.
At the same time, Zelenskyy said Ukraine is 鈥渞eady to hear various proposals and thoughts that lead us ... to an end of the war and a sustainable and just peace."
The greater the participation, the more likely it will be that Russia will have to listen, he said.
鈥淭he global majority can ensure with their involvement that what is agreed upon is truly implemented,鈥 he said.
Zelenskyy said he planned to meet one-on-one with Singapore's prime minister and would urge him to participate in person in the Switzerland talks.
鈥淭he same goes for the countries in the region,鈥 he said through an interpreter. "We truly count on you supporting this summit, and that you will be present in Switzerland.鈥
From Singapore, Zelenskyy may travel to Manila to invite President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to the summit in person, two senior Philippine government officials said.
Ukrainian officials have notified the Philippines of Zelenskyy鈥檚 intention to go, but the visit is uncertain because of the Ukrainian president鈥檚 travel plans are constantly changing, one of the officials said, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak about the matter.
Singapore Defense Minister Ng Eng Hen, who shared the stage with Zelenskyy, did not say whether his country's leaders would attend, but did note Singapore had condemned the invasion and provided Ukraine with military ambulances.
鈥淲e stand with you, and I think your appearance at this Shangri-La Dialogue is the epitome of what we are all hoping for, a rules-based order that guarantees the security and survival of large nations and small,鈥 he said.
Dong did not specifically mention the Switzerland meetings in his address to the forum, but did say 鈥渙n the Ukraine crisis, China has been promoting peace talks with a responsible attitude.鈥
He added that China had not provided weapons to either side of the conflict.
鈥淲e have never done anything to fan the flames,鈥 he said. 鈥淲e stand firmly on the side of peace and dialogue.鈥
U.S. Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin sat in the front row as Zelenskyy talked, and the two met on the sidelines of the conference. According to a U.S. reader, Austin provided an update on U.S. security assistance and reiterated U.S. committments to Ukraine.
鈥淲e've all been inspired by the courage of Ukraine's troops and the resilience of Ukraine's people,鈥 Austin said. 鈥淧eople around the world have rushed to help Ukraine defend itself, including countries across the Indo-Pacific.鈥'
Moritsugu reported from Hong Kong. Associated Press writer Jim Gomez in Manila, Philippines, contributed
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