China praises U.S.-Russia steps toward normalization, urges peace talks

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi praised recent steps toward normalizing relations between Russia and the United States, describing the development as a positive move for global stability

In an interview with Russia's RIA state news agency published on Tuesday, Wang expressed optimism over the improving ties.

“Russia and the United States have taken the first step toward normalizing relations, which is good for stabilizing the balance of power between major powers and inspires optimism in a disappointing international situation,” Wang said.

Wang is on a three-day visit to Moscow for strategic cooperation talks amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding the partial ceasefire in Ukraine. U.S. President Donald Trump has recently criticized both Russian and Ukrainian leaders, adding to the complexities of the situation.

China has continued to call for peace talks and expressed its willingness to play a constructive role in resolving the Ukraine conflict. “The step towards peace, although not that big, is constructive - it's worth building on it,” Wang stated.

While China and Russia declared a “no limits” strategic partnership in early 2022, Beijing has also positioned itself as a potential mediator, advocating for broader international involvement, particularly from the Global South.

“Our countries, as each other's largest neighboring states, world powers and permanent members of the UN Security Council, bear a special responsibility for maintaining peace and development throughout the world,” Wang added.

Despite China's efforts, including proposals made jointly with Brazil, its peace initiatives have received little enthusiasm from the parties involved. However, Wang maintained that China is prepared to contribute to the peace process.

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