In an interview with China’s state-run Xinhua news agency, Putin expressed a favourable view of Beijing’s position on a political solution to the conflict. The Russian leader appreciated the fact that China understands “the roots and geopolitical context” of the war, referring to a document released in February 2023 outlining Beijing’s position on the “Political Settlement of the Ukrainian Crisis”, as the conflict is known in the country. This document, which includes a 12-point proposal, reflects China’s “sincere desire to contribute to the stabilisation of the situation” and suggests an approach that avoids the “Cold War mentality”, according to Putin. The Russian leader highlighted the “four principles for peaceful resolution” of the war put forward a month ago by his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, which “fit in perfectly” with the Chinese proposal and guarantee “indivisible security and respect for international law and the UN Charter”. Putin stressed that his country “has not refused to engage in negotiations” to resolve the conflict, which has been going on for more than two years. “We are open to dialogue on Ukraine, but such talks should take into account the interests of all parties involved in the conflict, including ours,” he said. Putin’s visit to China, which begins on Thursday and will last until the following day, comes after a recent trip by Xi to Europe, amid pressure from the West for the Chinese leader to use his influence with his Russian counterpart to end the offensive in Ukraine. Xi’s tour, his first to Europe in five years, included stops in France, Serbia and Hungary. Beijing, which has deepened its ties with Moscow since the start of the conflict, has called for an international conference “recognised by both Russia and Ukraine” to resume dialogue. The first point of the Chinese plan stressed the importance of “respecting the sovereignty of all countries”, in a reference to Ukraine. “Universally recognised international law, including the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, should be strictly observed,” the proposal reads. “The sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of all countries should be effectively guaranteed,” it said. The Chinese government also called for an end to the “Cold War mentality” – a term often used by Beijing to criticise the foreign policy of the United States. “The security of a region should not be pursued at the expense of others,” the document said, in an implicit criticism of NATO’s enlargement. “The legitimate security interests and concerns of all countries should be taken seriously and addressed properly.” Putin’s visit also comes after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called on Beijing in late April “not to assist Russia” and not to provide its neighbour with components that could be used in its war against Ukraine. Beijing has denied that it has sold weapons to Russia and says it has a “normal” trade relationship with Moscow. However, US officials have warned in recent weeks that Chinese companies are helping Russia’s weapons industry, selling it equipment that could be used to produce ballistic missiles. Read Also: After Portugal and Spain, Zelensky cancels his entire agenda (Portuguese version)