SINGAPORE. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused China of aiding Russia in efforts to disrupt an upcoming Swiss-organized peace conference on the war in Ukraine.

Speaking at Asia’s premier security conference, the Shangri-La Dialogue, Zelenskyy alleged that China is pressuring other countries and their leaders not to attend the peace talks scheduled for mid-June. “Russia, using Chinese influence in the region, using Chinese diplomats also, does everything to disrupt the peace summit,” he stated. He expressed regret that China, a major global power, is acting as “an instrument in the hands of [Russian leader Vladimir] Putin.”

China maintains a declared neutral stance on the conflict, a position that contrasts sharply with the views of Ukraine, the United States, and most European nations. Trade between China and Russia has increased, mitigating the effects of Western sanctions on Russia. Intelligence reports from the U.S., Ukraine, and other countries indicate that Chinese parts are finding their way into Russian weaponry, though there is no direct evidence of China supplying arms to Russia.

The Swiss government had hoped for China’s participation in the peace conference, but Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning indicated on Friday that this was unlikely. Mao called for a peace conference with equal representation from all sides, including Russia, which has not been invited. “There is still a clear gap between the arrangements for the meeting and the demands of the Chinese side, as well as the general expectations of the international community,” she said, making it clear that these discrepancies hinder China’s participation.

Responding to Zelenskyy’s accusations, the Chinese foreign ministry has yet to issue a statement.

Zelenskyy criticized China’s pressure on other nations as “not only support to Russia, that is basically support of war.” He urged global defense officials to attend the peace talks in Switzerland and voiced disappointment at the reluctance of some countries to commit. Zelenskyy outlined Ukraine’s proposals for the summit, focusing on nuclear security, food security, the release of prisoners of war, and the return of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia. “Time is running out, and the children are growing up in the Putin-land where they are taught to hate their homeland,” he emphasized.

Zelenskyy affirmed Ukraine’s openness to various proposals aimed at ending the war and establishing a sustainable peace. He stressed the importance of broad international participation to ensure Russia heeds the agreed terms. “The global majority can ensure with their involvement that what is agreed upon is truly implemented,” he said.

In a bid to bolster attendance, Zelenskyy announced plans to meet with Singapore’s prime minister and urged regional leaders to participate in the Switzerland talks. Singapore’s Defense Minister Ng Eng Hen, sharing the stage with Zelenskyy, did not confirm his country’s attendance but reiterated Singapore’s condemnation of the invasion and its support for Ukraine, including the provision of military ambulances. “We stand with you,” he said, praising Zelenskyy’s presence as a symbol of a desired rules-based order.

Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun, speaking before Zelenskyy at the Shangri-La Dialogue, did not address the Switzerland meetings directly but reiterated China’s stance on promoting peace talks. “We have never done anything to fan the flames,” he asserted, denying that China had provided weapons to either side.

Following the conference in Singapore, Zelenskyy may travel to Manila to invite Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to the summit. However, this visit remains uncertain due to the fluid nature of the Ukrainian president’s travel plans, according to senior Philippine officials.

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, present during Zelenskyy’s address, reaffirmed U.S. commitments to Ukraine in a meeting on the sidelines of the conference. Austin commended the courage of Ukrainian troops and the resilience of its people, highlighting the global support Ukraine has received, including from Indo-Pacific nations. “Putin’s war of aggression has provided us all with a preview of a world that none of us would want,” Austin remarked, underscoring the widespread impact and concern over the conflict.