"Peace talks will not end the crisis overnight, but as long as dialogue is still on, there is hope for peace," Spokesperson Mao Ning told a daily press briefing.

Mao noted that on Feb. 25, President Xi Jinping and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz had an in-depth exchange of views on the Ukraine crisis. When expounding on China's principled position, Xi said the key to finding a solution lies in consistent dialogue and negotiation, adding that it is important to ensure the equal participation of all sides and strike a solid foundation for peace, accommodate the legitimate concerns of all sides and enhance the will for peace, and realize common security and build a lasting architecture of peace.

Mao said that since the outbreak of the Ukraine crisis, China has stayed committed to promoting peace talks and a political settlement of the crisis.

"Though parties remain divided, they engaged in talks that are beginning to focus on substantive issues concerning the crisis. China welcomes this," said Mao.

China hopes what has been proposed by President Xi regarding the settlement of the crisis will offer useful inspirations to talks among relevant parties, added the spokesperson.

"China will continue to play a constructive role for peace in its own way, support all efforts for peace, and support all parties in continuing dialogue and negotiation, building consensus, reaching a fair, durable and binding peace agreement, and bringing about lasting peace and stability in Europe," said Mao.