China Supports Trump’s Peace Talks With Russia as U.S. Allies Back Ukraine

China has voiced support for U.S. President Donald Trump’s direct negotiations with Russia to end the war in Ukraine, while U.S. allies reaffirmed their backing for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at a G20 meeting in South Africa.

China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi told G20 leaders in Johannesburg that Beijing supports “all efforts conducive to peace,” including Trump’s talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Wang added that China would continue playing a “constructive role” in resolving the conflict.

Trump’s approach has shifted U.S. policy dramatically, bypassing Ukraine and its European allies in direct discussions with Moscow. His recent remarks calling Zelenskyy a “dictator” drew criticism from countries like Australia, Germany, and the UK, which reiterated their support for Kyiv.

Analysts suggest Beijing is keen to ensure its role in any deal, as it seeks to maintain influence over Russia and secure leverage with European officials concerned about being excluded from peace efforts.

“By going straight to Putin, Trump erased what Beijing saw as potential leverage,” said Ruby Osman of the Tony Blair Institute. She added that China might now focus on future reconstruction and peacekeeping efforts in Ukraine to strengthen its influence in European security.

The Trump administration has committed to further talks with Russia after a recent 4.5-hour meeting in Saudi Arabia. Moscow called the discussions “useful” but reaffirmed its stance that Ukraine must never join NATO.

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