Chinese leader Xi Jinping called for negotiations on a political settlement of the war in Ukraine during talks with the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, who is in Beijing on Thursday, writes AP.

 Xi Jinping said that "the settlement of the Ukrainian crisis by political means is in the interests of Europe and the common interests of all Eurasian countries," state broadcaster CCTV reported.

 "Under the current conditions, we must avoid escalating and widening the crisis and work for peace," Xi said.

 China, the publication notes, has repeatedly made similar statements in the past, refusing to condemn Russia's invasion and criticizing sanctions against Moscow. In the weeks before the invasion, Xi and Russian leader Vladimir Putin reaffirmed their "borderless" relationship, with Beijing increasing its purchases of oil from Russia, while their air forces held joint exercises this week.

 EU officials said Michel's one-day visit was aimed at finding a balance between the EU's desire to increase exports to China and the need to take a firm stand with Beijing on protecting democracy and fundamental freedoms.

 According to European sources cited by Tagesschau, Xi Jinping and Michel reiterated during the conversation that "nuclear threats are irresponsible and very dangerous." And that Michel said the European Union is counting on China, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, to lobby Russia to respect the UN Charter and help "put an end to Russia's brutal destruction and occupation," according to the EU's spokesman.

 Michel himself wrote on Twitter after the negotiations that "the EU promotes its interests and values ​​in the world." "Open interaction with China in all aspects of our relations is the only way forward. Today we discussed Russia's war against Ukraine and its consequences, global challenges and the entire spectrum of our bilateral relations," the head of the European Council noted.