BEIJING, May 16, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - China said Friday it hopes that peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine -- the first direct talks in more than three years -- would reach a "fair, lasting" deal. 

"We support all efforts dedicated to peace... It is hoped that the parties concerned will carry on with the dialogue and negotiation so as to reach a fair, lasting and binding peace agreement acceptable to all parties," foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian told a regular press briefing.