Vatican and China Discuss Ukraine Peace Plan

Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, the Vatican's peace envoy, engaged in a significant phone conversation with Li Hui, China's special representative for Eurasian affairs, discussing the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. This dialogue, which follows previous meetings including Zuppi’s visit to Beijing in September 2023, emphasizes the need for dialogue and international guarantees for a just peace. Both representatives acknowledged the importance of China's six-point peace plan, which calls for a ceasefire and negotiations, and Zuppi expressed gratitude for China's efforts in mediating the crisis. Despite both sides showing willingness to engage, the current military situation in Ukraine raises doubts about the feasibility of immediate negotiations. The Vatican continues to seek improvements in its diplomatic relations with China, particularly regarding the appointment of Catholic bishops. Overall, this marks a rare diplomatic interaction between the Vatican and China, given their lack of formal diplomatic relations.