China has released a 12-point plan for peace in Ukraine, amid a recent push to play a bigger role in international diplomacy which saw Mr Xi visit Moscow for talks on the anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine. The optics and timing of the trip undermined Chinese claims to neutrality in many people's eyes.
While Western nations have been generally dismissive of the Chinese proposals, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky has called for direct talks with Mr Xi - who has yet to publicly respond.
On Thursday, Russia acknowledged that China has "a very effective and commanding potential for mediation".