UK: A Chinese proposal to end hostilities has received a muted response from the Western allies of Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia. The Chinese Foreign Ministry released the 12-point plan on Friday.

The proposals were essentially dismissed by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, who claimed Beijing lacked the "credibility" to put forth such a comprehensive settlement plan.

Given their inability to denounce Russia's illegitimate invasion of Ukraine, Stoltenberg told reporters, "China doesn't have much credibility." He also mentioned the close ties between China and Russia.

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The roadmap, according to Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, was in fact more of a generalised set of principles than a detailed action plan. Despite Beijing maintaining a neutral stance in the fighting, she also charged that China was already supporting Russia.

You must consider them in light of the fact that China has already chosen a side, as evidenced by the signing of documents like an unlimited friendship just prior to the invasion. Therefore, she said, "We will examine the principles, of course, but we will examine them in light of the fact that China has chosen a side.

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The roadmap has also sparked opinions from some EU members on an individual basis. As an example, Wolfgang Buechner, a spokesman for the German government, claimed that while it contained some "important elements," other positions, such as a demand that Russia withdraw its troops from Ukraine, were absent.

With President Andrzej Duda saying it might help pave the "way towards peace," Poland, one of the principal backers of Kiev, responded more favourably. We can't ignore such a great partner and power as China, he said.

China, in contrast to the majority of Western nations, has declined to denounce Russia's military operation in Ukraine and has not imposed sanctions on Moscow. Top Chinese officials have frequently reaffirmed Beijing's desire to end hostilities peacefully rather than escalating them by arming Kiev.

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The 12-point plan urged all parties to "remain calm and use restraint," and it urged the international community to support all efforts to put an end to the year-long hostilities. In order to gradually deescalate the situation and eventually reach a comprehensive ceasefire, the document said that "all parties should support Russia and Ukraine in working in the same direction and resuming direct dialogue as soon as possible."