Italy Urges China to Influence Russia to Negotiate with Ukraine

The impact of Russia's attack on Ukraine/PHOTO via X @ZelenskyyUa

JAKARTA - Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said he urged China to increase its efforts to help end the war in Ukraine and use its influence on Moscow to encourage serious negotiations.

As reported by ANTARA from the Anadolu report, Friday, April 17, Tajani said he had directly raised the issue with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, stressing the need for a stronger Chinese role in supporting peace and stability in Ukraine.

"I explicitly asked Foreign Minister Wang Yi to strongly support Beijing's efforts to bring peace and stability to Ukraine. I hope China can do more to convince President Putin to negotiate seriously," Tajani said.

The Italian foreign minister arrived in Beijing, Thursday (16/4) as part of the initial visit to China, which will continue to Shanghai on Friday.

He also highlighted tensions in the Middle East region, including Iran, the Strait of Hormuz, and Lebanon, stating that a temporary ceasefire could help pave the way for a broader peace settlement.

"To end these wars, we must first consolidate a ceasefire that can lead to a more stable state of peace," he said, adding that the proposal for a 10-day ceasefire in Lebanon was "the right way to restart in the Middle East."

Regarding Iran, Tajani expressed cautious hope for a long-term understanding between Washington and Tehran, while warning of the economic impact of continued instability, particularly on the energy and agricultural markets.

"I hope this can last, for the safety of many innocent civilians and the recovery of the global economy. We are paying a very high price," he said.

The minister also reiterated support for European defense integration within the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), as well as dismissing speculation about a massive withdrawal of US troops from Europe as "unrealistic."