CHINESE President Xi Jinping called on other world powers today to help Russia and Ukraine resume direct dialogue and negotiations.

The appeal came during a meeting with Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban, whose surprise visit to China followed similar trips to Russia and Ukraine last week to discuss prospects for a peace settlement.

Mr Orban praised China’s “constructive and important initiatives” for achieving peace and described Beijing as a stabilising force amid global turbulence, according to Chinese broadcaster CCTV.