CHINESE President Xi Jinping called today for a start to negotiations on ending the war in Ukraine after meeting French President Emmanuel Macron in Beijing.

Mr Xi told reporters that “peace talks should resume as soon as possible.”

Beijing, which has been key to developing multilateral efforts to counter the United States’ domination of global affairs, has maintained a neutral stance in the conflict and in February put forward a 12-point peace plan.

Mr Xi said that consideration should be given to the “legitimate security concerns of all parties,” including Russia’s worries about the eastward expansion of Nato.

Governments should “avoid taking actions that will further make the crisis deteriorate or even get out of control,” the Chinese president added.

During his talks with Mr Xi earlier in the day, Mr Macron said: “We need to find a lasting peace.

“I believe that this is also an important issue for China, as much as it is for France and for Europe.”

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said: “China has always adhered to an objective and fair position on the issue of the Ukraine crisis.

“We have been an advocate of a political solution to the crisis and a promoter of peace talks.”

Mr Macron also had a meeting with Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang, during which he said that France wanted to “build a common path” in dealing with “all the major conflicts” in addition to Ukraine.

Mr Li said that there was likely to be a “broad consensus” between the French and Chinese presidents, adding that the meeting would “send positive signals of concerted efforts by China, France and Europe to maintain world peace and stability.”

Mr Macron was accompanied to Beijing by European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen, who claimed last week that the EU must be prepared to develop measures to protect trade and investment that China might exploit for security and military purposes.

On Wednesday, Nato warned China against starting to send weapons and ammunition to Russia, even though there is no evidence that Beijing has been considering this.

Nato secretary-general Jens Stoltenberg said that China would make a “historic mistake” if it provided lethal aid. He warned of “severe consequences” but declined to give details.

Ms Mao responded by saying: “When it comes to responsibility in Ukraine, I think the United States and military blocs such as Nato should take responsibility,” adding that the Western military alliance was “in no position to accuse or pressure China.”