Norway urges China to help bring Russia to Ukraine peace talks

Norway is calling on China to play a more active role in mediating an end to the war in Ukraine, believing Beijing's close ties to Moscow can be instrumental in achieving peace. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere directly urged China to use its "best and most direct access" to the Russian leadership to help bring about a negotiated settlement.

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China is probably the country with the best and most direct access to the Russian leadership. We expect, hope and strongly urge China to use that channel.

Stoere told reporters in Oslo that while China's partnership with Russia presents an opportunity for deeper cooperation between Europe and China, the ongoing conflict remains a significant limitation. He met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, with Ukraine dominating their discussions. Norwegian officials described the dialogue as "constructive and promising," though they stopped short of confirming China's willingness to mediate.

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There is a potential for deeper cooperation between Europe and China, but as long as this war goes on and China is a close partner of Russia, that is a limitation on that opportunity.

Oslo advocates for negotiations to begin without preconditions, proposing a ceasefire based on the current front lines. Stoere noted this would represent a "major concession" from Ukraine. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi was visiting Norway as part of a tour of Nordic countries. Reuters sought comment from the Chinese delegation.

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dialogue with China on ending the war had been "constructive and promising".