China’s foreign minister warned fellow leaders Saturday against an “expansion of the battlefield” in Russia’s war with Ukraine and said the Beijing government remains committed to shuttle diplomacy and efforts to push the conflict toward its end.
“The top priority is to commit to no expansion of the battlefield. Wang Yi said China is committed to playing a constructive role”, just as he warned against other nations “throwing oil on the fire or exploiting the situation for selfish gains,” a likely reference to the United States.
Earlier on Friday, on the assembly sidelines, China and Brazil sought to build enthusiasm for their peace plan for Ukraine.
They said about a dozen countries signed a communique that says they “note” the six-point plan which calls for a peace conference with both Ukraine and Russia and no expansion of the battlefield, among other provisions.
China has been an ally of Russia, a nation that has been accused of violating the U.N. Charter by Secretary-General António Guterres, the U.S. and many world nations.
Moscow insists its so-called “special military operation” is in self-defense, which is allowed in the U.N. Charter.
