On Thursday, China expressed satisfaction with the strengthening of cooperation between the United States and Russia after US President Donald Trump announced plans to meet with his Russian counterpart to discuss peace initiatives regarding Ukraine.

Trump shared that he had a "lengthy and productive" conversation with Vladimir Putin on Wednesday - their first confirmed contact since his return to office - and agreed to "immediately" start negotiations to end the conflict.

"The US and Russia are leading nations. China is pleased to see both countries enhancing their dialogue on important international issues," said Foreign Ministry spokesman Goh Jiaqyun at a press briefing.

On the same day, citing unnamed sources in Beijing and Washington, the Wall Street Journal reported that Chinese officials recently contacted the US administration via intermediaries to propose a meeting between Trump and Putin.

This initiative allegedly "would support peacemaking efforts in the event of a possible ceasefire," but, as noted by the American publication, did not include Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Reports indicate that a White House representative dismissed Beijing's proposal as "absolutely unviable." In response to questions about this report at a briefing, Goh mentioned that he had no further information to provide.

China and Russia, with their long-standing socialist ties, have been increasingly coming closer in diplomatic, military, and economic spheres in recent years.

Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Beijing has sought to portray itself as a neutral party in the conflict.

Western countries, including the US, have supported Ukraine and criticized China's refusal to condemn Russia, but Trump's return to power raises questions about Washington's stance.

Goh stated on Thursday that "China has always believed that dialogue and negotiations are the only feasible way to resolve the crisis in Ukraine and has consistently been committed to promoting peace talks."