China Welcomes U.S.-Russia Talks on Ukraine, Xi Signals Support for Diplomatic Solution

Beijing, August 8, 2025 – Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed support for ongoing U.S.-Russia dialogues aimed at resolving the Ukraine conflict during a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday. The call, initiated at Putin’s request, followed the Kremlin’s announcement that Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump are preparing for a potential summit to address the war, now in its fourth year.[](https://www.reuters.com/world/china/xi-tells-putin-china-welcomes-fresh-us-russia-contacts-trump-seeks-end-ukraine-2025-08-08/)[](https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/8/8/china-welcomes-new-us-russia-contact-as-trump-seeks-end-to-ukraine-war)

Xi emphasized China’s commitment to peace talks and a diplomatic resolution to the Russia-Ukraine war, according to Chinese state broadcaster CCTV. He welcomed improved U.S.-Russia ties, stating that such contacts could advance a “long-term” political solution to the conflict. The call, the second between Xi and Putin in less than two months, underscores the deepening economic, trade, and security ties between Beijing and Moscow since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, which strained Russia’s relations with the West.

The Kremlin confirmed that Putin briefed Xi on recent U.S.-Russia communications, including talks with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff on Wednesday. Putin also updated leaders from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko on these developments, signaling broad regional engagement. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also discussed Ukraine with Putin, expressing optimism about hosting him in India later this year

China’s stance remains one of neutrality, with Beijing consistently advocating for dialogue while refraining from condemning Russia’s actions or demanding troop withdrawal. Some of Ukraine’s allies suspect China has provided economic and material support to Russia, though Beijing denies these claims, asserting that its trade with Russia, including energy imports, is “just and legitimate.” On Friday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun defended this position in response to U.S. threats of tariffs on countries purchasing Russian oil, emphasizing China’s focus on national energy security.

U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed frustration with the lack of progress in peace negotiations, recently threatening additional sanctions on Russia and secondary tariffs on nations like China and India for buying Russian oil. On Wednesday, Trump announced 25 percent tariffs on India over its Russian oil purchases, hinting at similar measures against China. These threats coincide with preparations for a possible Trump-Putin summit, with unconfirmed reports suggesting China as a potential venue in early September, possibly during Putin’s visit for events marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.

Meanwhile, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk voiced cautious optimism about a potential “freeze” in the conflict after discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who emphasized the need for European involvement in any ceasefire or peace settlement. However, Russia and Ukraine remain far apart on peace terms, with Russia’s forces continuing to advance and bombard Ukrainian cities. Trump’s earlier ultimatum for Russia to move toward a settlement expired on Friday, with no clear indication of immediate U.S. actions. The prospect of a U.S.-Russia summit has sparked mixed reactions. While some, like Russian State Duma deputy Mikhail Sheremet, view it as a chance to reshape global dynamics, others, including former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine John Herbst, argue that Trump’s approach lacks the pressure needed to influence Putin effectively. China’s role as a potential mediator remains uncertain, given its economic leverage over Russia but reluctance to alienate Moscow.