China’s president has signaled a willingness to engage in a phone conversation with Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky, choosing the timing based on diplomatic developments and consulting with trusted advisers. This comes after a meeting with France’s President Emmanuel Macron, according to reports from Reuters citing a French diplomatic source. The indication that Xi Jinping is prepared to initiate the call underscores a broader push from Beijing to manage the Ukraine crisis through dialogue and measured diplomacy.
Sources connected to the broadcast described Xi as ready to place the call to Zelensky when the moment is right, emphasizing that the decision will hinge on the evolving conditions on the ground and the feasibility of constructive dialogue with Kyiv. The same reporting package notes that Macron and Xi used their discussions to reflect on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and to consider pathways toward de-escalation and peace.
According to a source quoted by Reuters,China desires to cooperate with France in pursuing dialogue and a sustainable peace in Ukraine. The remarks align with a broader Chinese objective to position itself as a facilitator in the conflict, seeking to balance its strategic interests with calls for stability in Europe. The unfolding narrative suggests a careful, multi-track approach involving diplomacy, mediation efforts, and calls for restraint from all parties involved.
During the meeting, French officials reportedly urged Xi Jinping not to supply weapons to Russia, framing the request as a matter of responsible statecraft and regional stability. Xi responded by noting that the conflict is not directly China’s war, a point aimed at clarifying Beijing’s stance while leaving room for dialogue and humanitarian considerations. Observers interpret such comments as part of China’s broader attempt to define its role in the war while avoiding entangling commitments.
Earlier dispatches from French media indicated that Macron met Xi in Beijing and pressed for a constructive approach to Russia and Ukraine, emphasizing dialogue, negotiation, and a political settlement. The French leader’s remarks, reported in multiple outlets, highlighted a shared focus on preventing further escalation and exploring diplomatic channels that could lead to a negotiated outcome.
The arrival of Macron in Beijing on April 5 set the stage for a series of discussions that have kept the international diplomatic arena focused on how major powers can influence the trajectory of the conflict. The exchanges reflect an ongoing effort among Paris, Beijing, and other global capitals to shape a process that could eventually yield a durable ceasefire and a roadmap for post-conflict reconstruction.
Analysts note that the potential phone call between Xi and Zelensky would mark a significant milestone in the broader effort to create channels for dialogue, even as demands for accountability and security guarantees remain on the table. The sequence of meetings and statements suggests that China is trying to position itself as a mediator rather than merely a participant, offering a platform for negotiations while navigating its own strategic interests on the world stage. The situation remains fluid, with diplomats watching closely to gauge whether such conversations can translate into tangible steps toward peace and stability in Ukraine. (Reuters)