Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi expressed optimism, stating that Russia and the United States have made an initial move toward normalising their relations. His comments were shared with Russia's RIA state news agency on Tuesday. “Russia and the United States have taken the first step toward normalising relations, which is good for stabilising the balance of power between major powers and inspires optimism in a disappointing international situation,” RIA quoted Wang as speaking.

Wang is currently in Moscow for a three-day visit focused on strategic cooperation discussions amidst growing uncertainty over the partial ceasefire in Ukraine and U.S. President Donald Trump's harsh criticism of both the Russian and Ukrainian leaders. In an extensive interview with RIA, Wang emphasised China’s stance that peace talks should continue.

“The step towards peace, although not that big, is constructive - it’s worth building on it,” Wang expressed. “With peace, it is no pain, no gain. You need to work hard to achieve it.”

China and Russia established a "no limits" strategic partnership just days before Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a large-scale ten-of-thousand military operation in Ukraine in February 2022. Over the past decade, Chinese President Xi Jinping has met with Putin more than 40 times. In May 2024, the two leaders agreed to strengthen their relationship further, focusing on issues like Taiwan, Ukraine, and their shared opposition to the United States.

On Monday, the Kremlin announced that Putin would meet with Wang Yi, China's top diplomat, who would also engage in discussions with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. Wang emphasised that China is willing to play a role in resolving the Ukraine conflict, although its previous peace efforts have not made any significant progress.

“China is ready, taking into account the aspirations of the parties involved, to play a constructive role in the settlement together with the international community, primarily with the countries of the Global South,” Wang stated.

Since the war began, which reached its third anniversary in February, Xi has advocated for China to take a more active role in peace negotiations. Beijing has put forward its own proposals and joint ones with Brazil, outlining broad principles to end the conflict. However, these suggestions have been met with a rather lukewarm response. Wang stated that Russia and China have a unique duty to preserve global peace.

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