China has called for a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine in the ongoing conflict, releasing a 12-point policy paper in response to the escalating tensions.

The policy paper, which was released by the Chinese Foreign Ministry, calls for all sides to adhere to the Minsk Agreement and to begin peace talks.

The Chinese government has also attempted to position itself as a neutral party in the conflict, despite criticism from some US officials who believe that China could send “lethal support” to Russia.

China has continued to emphasize its neutrality in the conflict, with Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian saying that China “will not take sides on the Ukraine-Russia issue”.

However, the US State Department has criticized China for its position, with a spokesperson for the department saying that China’s “claims of neutrality are difficult to reconcile with its actions”.

The US State Department has also accused China of “hypocrisy” in its foreign policy, citing its support for Russia in the conflict.

The US has urged all sides to adhere to the Minsk Agreement and to begin peace talks to end the conflict.