Pope Francis' envoy has visited Beijing and held talks with a senior Chinese government official.

Cardinal Matteo Maria Zuppi made a three-day trip to China through Friday. He met with a Chinese special representative to discuss the situation in Ukraine.

The Holy See said that they emphasized the need to find ways to peace and also addressed the problem of food security. It said that their meeting took place in an open and cordial atmosphere.

The talks come after Pope Francis visited Mongolia earlier this month and said he would like to send a warm greeting to the "noble people of China."

The Vatican is the only European state that has diplomatic relations with Taiwan. It does not have such ties with China because the Chinese government has refused to allow the Pope to appoint bishops in the country, citing interference in China's domestic affairs.