Visiting Beijing, Spanish PM Sanchez Urges President Xi Jinping To Talk To Ukrainian Leader Volodymyr Zelensky

JAKARTA - Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez pushed Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday to speak with Ukrainian leaders and learn firsthand about Kyiv's peace formula to help end Russia's invasion.

In a press conference in Beijing, he said he had informed President Xi Jinping that Spain was supporting proposals submitted by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. This includes a request to return Ukrainian territory to its status quo before Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea.

"I believe this is a plan that lays the groundwork for lasting peace in Ukraine, in line with the United Nations charter and its principles, which have been violated by (Russian President Vladimir) Putin with its invasion," he said.

"I express our concern over the illegal invasion of Ukraine," continued PM Sanchez, adding that he encouraged President Xi to speak with President Zelensky, to find out firsthand the Kyiv peace plan.

Last month, Beijing submitted a peace proposal that has 12 points for war in Ukraine, which includes a comprehensive ceasefire in the conflict.

However, the paper also raises questions among several EU officials in China, for not stating that the aggressor in the conflict was Russia.

PM Sanchez praised two points in China's proposal, namely a firm and complete rejection of the use and threat of nuclear weapons use, as well as respect for territorial integrity.

However, PM Sanchez refused to say what President Xi said about the matter.

PM Sanchez said he agreed with the view of EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen that the relationship between the European Union and China was "complex" and he stressed the need for equal reciprocity and playing ground between them.

Agradezco al presidente Xi Jinping su recibimiento en este viaje histórico.Esta visita impulsa nuestras relaciones bilaterales y refuerza la cooperación en diversos desafíos globales.También hemos mantenido un intercambio sincero sobre la agresión de Rusia contra Ucrania. pic.twitter.com/s1AFqcQl38

— Pedro Sánchez (@sanchezcastejon) March 31, 2023