The discussion also covered the conflict’s impact on global food supplies and energy security, government spokesperson Steffen Hebestreit said in a brief statement after the videoconference on Monday.

Other topics included strengthening bilateral relations and economic cooperation between the two countries, the pandemic, climate protection and relations between Europe and China.

Chinese state television reported that Xi had warned against an escalation of the Ukraine war during the videoconference.

“All efforts must be made to avoid an intensification and expansion of the conflict, leading to an unmanageable situation,” Xi was quoted as saying.

The European side should seek a solution in a “responsible manner,” China’s president said.

In an apparent reference to US influence, Xi stressed that European security should be “in the hands of Europeans themselves.”

Critics complain that Xi is not using his influence on Russia’s President Vladimir Putin to ensure an end to Russia’s war.

Since the beginning of the invasion, China has given him political backing, emphasizing Beijing’s “strategic partnership” with Moscow and portraying the US and NATO’s eastward expansion as the main causes of the conflict.

The conversation was described by the Chinese side as “deep and frank,” which usually indicates that there were some differences in opinion.