China defends Ukraine stance ahead of Switzerland peace summit

A Swiss flag is pictured in front of the Burgenstock Resort where the Summit on Peace in Ukraine will take place June 15 and 16, in Lucerne, Switzerland, May 28, 2024. [Reuters]

China is pushing back against criticism by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy this week, denying claims it is pressuring countries not to attend next weekend's peace conference in Switzerland and putting forward its own peace plan for the Ukraine war.

After Zelenskyy accused China of "working hard" to prevent countries from participating in the summit at the Shangri-La Dialogue on June 2, Beijing denied the Ukrainian president's allegation Monday, saying Beijing remains "firmly committed to promoting talks for peace" and hopes the summit would not be "used to create bloc confrontation."