Chinese FM Qin Meets Russian FM Lavrov At G20

Comments from Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang hitting wires following a meeting with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov on the margins of the G20 Foreign Ministers' meeting in New Delhi, India.

• Per Reuters: "China willing to maintain peace and prosperity with Russia, international society."
• Regarding Ukraine crisis: "China supports all efforts to promote peace talks and will continue to play a constructive role.... China opposes double standards, pressure from sanctions... China and Russia will keep exchanges at all levels."
• Qin's comments will do little to dispel sceptism in the West that China's role in mediating the conflict is undermined by a firm alignment with Moscow.
• A short time ago Qin met with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and, according to a statement from the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Qin told Baerbock that China is willing to "resume exchanges and cooperation at all levels."
• Qin said China and Germany should both "play a constructive role" in maintaining and promoting peace.
• Scholz told the German parliament today: "My message to Beijing is clear: use your influence in Moscow to urge the withdrawal of Russian troops, and don't deliver any weapons to the aggressor Russia."