Zelensky Accuses China of Barring Countries From Peace Summit

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Sunday accused China of working hard to stop countries from going to a peace summit.

Beijing has in recent times publicly criticised the summit because Russia is not invited. 

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke during the 21st Shangri-La Dialogue summit in Singapore today.

Zelensky made the remarks at a security forum in Singapore as he sought to rally support for the conference and appealed for more military aid for Ukraine, which has been ceding ground to Russian troops.

"China, unfortunately, is working hard today to prevent countries from coming to the peace summit," Zelensky said.  

Beijing believes the conference "should have the recognition of Russia and Ukraine, equal participation of all parties and fair discussion of all peace plans", foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said.

Zelensky also expressed disappointment that "some world leaders" had not signed up to the conference, with China signalling Xi Jinping will not attend while US President Joe Biden is yet to commit.

China said it would be "difficult" for it to attend if Russia did not participate, which Ukraine has rejected.

Zelensky said on Sunday that more than 100 countries and organisations had signed up to the conference, and he urged Asia-Pacific nations to join.