The Chinese government’s envoy to Ukraine called on foreign governments to stop sending weapons to the embattled country, as Western allies continue to boost Kyiv’s military.

Beijing has sought to portray itself as a neutral arbiter in the war, but has not condemned Moscow or called the war an "invasion."

ONE QUESTION FOR TRUMP COULD DETERMINE THE RACE FOR THE 2024 GOP NOMINATION

“China believes that if we really want to put an end to war, to save lives and realize peace, it is important for us to stop sending weapons to the battlefield, or else the tensions will only spiral up,” Li Hui, China's special envoy for Eurasian affairs and a former ambassador to Moscow, told reporters on Friday. “China’s goal is promoting peace talks and a cessation of hostilities."

Li told reporters that while both sides are open to peace negotiations, there is no indication that Russian and Ukrainian officials are any closer to starting such conversations. He has met with Ukrainian and Russian representatives in recent weeks, but expectations for a genuine breakthrough have remained low.

He also referred to outsiders “adding fuel to the fire” and who have made comments that “exacerbate the situation,” though he did not identify them. Li used language often employed by Chinese officials when taking shots at the United States, asking, “Who is the real troublemaker in the world and the real security threat in the world? The global community has a keen understanding of that."

The U.S. and its Western allies have sent billions of dollars of aid to Ukraine as it prepares for an offensive aimed at recapturing territory occupied by Russia. Last month, a collection of nations announced a long-term plan to provide Ukraine with fourth-generation aircraft, indicating their extended commitment to Kyiv.

Back in February, Beijing released a 12-point peace plan for ending the war in Ukraine, which was a non-starter for Kyiv. The plan includes a ceasefire but does not force Russians to leave the occupied areas, essentially providing them with the opportunity to refit, resupply, and launch future attacks. Ukrainian leaders have also said they would reject any proposal that would include sacrificing its territorial integrity.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

Following Li's meeting with Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, the ministry said in a statement, "Kuleba briefed the special envoy of the Chinese government in detail on the principles of restoring a sustainable and just peace based on respect for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity," adding, "He stressed that Ukraine did not accept any proposals involving the loss of its territories or the freezing of the conflict.”

U.S. officials have warned since February that they had intelligence indicating Beijing was considering providing lethal aid to Russia for use in Ukraine, though they reiterated many times since then that they haven't seen it actually occur.