The message from China at the UN Security Council on Tuesday was clear.

"China welcomes all efforts dedicated to peace, including the recent agreement reached by the United States and Russia to start peace talks," China's UN ambassador, Fu Cong, told a briefing.

"China hopes all relevant parties and stakeholders involved in the Ukraine crisis will engage in the peace talks process. As the conflict has been unfolding on European soil, it is imperative for Europe to work for peace," he said, seemingly in contrast to the position of Russia, Beijing's foremost strategic partner.

On Monday before meeting with a US delegation in Saudi Arabia, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said he saw no place for the European Union at the negotiating table, claiming that the EU had already had several chances to participate in talks to settle the conflict.

China has stood by Russia since it launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, refusing to condemn Russian aggression, while implicitly providing economic support amid US-led sanctions.

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Throughout the war, China has insisted on settling the conflict through "dialogue."

Beijing-based political observer Kan Quanqiu said that China's statement at the UNSC, seemingly contradicting Russia's position, comes as Moscow sees a chance to isolate Europe.

"According to Russian President Vladimir Putin, Ukraine should be demilitarized. With this precondition, which is unrealistic for Europe, Russia wants to make it more difficult and impossible for Europe to come to the negotiating table," Kan wrote.

This would allow Russia to reach a quick agreement with Washington, Kan continued.

"Sooner or later, the US under........

© Deutsche Welle