Zelensky Accuses China of Collaborating with Russia to Disrupt Peace Conference

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused China on Sunday of collaborating with Russia to disrupt a peace conference organized by Switzerland regarding the war in Ukraine. In his speech at the Shangri-La security conference hosted in Singapore, Zelensky stated that China is pressuring other countries and their leaders not to participate in the conference. He did not name any specific country or leader. He expressed regret that a large, independent, and powerful country like China is a tool in Putin's hands. The Ukrainian President said that Beijing's support for Moscow is 'support for war.' Zelensky urged the defense ministers attending the security conference to participate in the Swiss peace conference and expressed regret over some countries' reluctance to attend. Although Chinese Defense Minister Wei Fenghe spoke before Zelensky at Shangri-La, he was not present during Zelensky's speech. Zelensky outlined the main goals of the upcoming conference in Switzerland as establishing peace, nuclear security, food security, the release of war prisoners, and the return of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia. He stated that Ukraine is ready to hear various proposals and viewpoints to end the war and establish a sustainable and just peace. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was present in the front row during Zelensky's speech. Austin and Zelensky met and discussed on the sidelines of the conference. The U.S. Defense Secretary emphasized that Washington will never waver in its support for Kyiv. In his speech at Shangri-La regarding the 'Ukraine crisis,' the Chinese Defense Minister, without mentioning the upcoming peace conference in Switzerland, stated, 'China has been an advocate of peace talks with a responsible approach.' He claimed that his country has not provided weapons to either side of the conflict and is in favor of 'peace and dialogue.' Since the beginning of Putin's invasion of Ukraine, China has claimed neutrality. However, trade relations between Beijing and Moscow have significantly expanded, reducing the impact of extensive Western sanctions against Russia. Additionally, Western and Ukrainian intelligence agencies say there is evidence that Chinese components are used in Russian weaponry, even if Beijing does not directly arm Moscow. Mao Ning, a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, said on Friday that China's participation in the Swiss peace conference is unlikely. Beijing is calling for a peace conference with 'equal participation from all parties,' including Russia, which has not been invited to the Swiss peace conference. Zelensky in Singapore; efforts to garner support from countries for the 'Ukraine Peace Summit' in Switzerland. Continued Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy sector; Zelensky called for air defense systems from the West. The U.S. has allowed Ukraine to use its weapons to target objectives within Russian territory. Ukraine signed long-term security agreements with Sweden and Norway. The G7 expressed 'serious concern' over the deepening ties between Russia and North Korea. China responded negatively to Zelensky's request to attend the peace conference.