BEIJING, July 8, 2024 (BSS/TASS) - Ukraine and Russia would be better served laying down their arms and finding a diplomatic solution to their problems, Chinese leader Xi Jinping has said at a meeting with visiting Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban.

"It is in the interests of all parties to end hostilities and find a political solution as soon as possible," China's state broadcaster CCTV quoted Xi as saying.

 "At present, following three principles is of paramount importance: preventing fire from going beyond the battlefield, preventing escalation and preventing anyone from fueling the conflict," Xi insisted.

He also highlighted the need "to contribute to de-escalation as soon as possible."