China has not changed its position, but sees an opportunity to become a more influential player.
President Xi Jinping is stepping up efforts to position China as a peacemaker seeking to end Russia's war in Ukraine. However, the US and Europe criticize Beijing for supporting the Kremlin.
Bloomberg reports this.
Last week, China received a high-ranking official from Ukraine for the first time since 2022. Foreign Minister Wang I told Dmytro Kulebi that the time for peace talks “has not yet come,” but both sides are ready for talks.
On July 28, Beijing sent special envoy Li Hui to Brazil, South Africa, and Indonesia to “create conditions for the resumption of peace talks.” These countries did not join the sanctions against Russia.
Xi Jinping's activity underscores his desire to strengthen China's diplomatic role amid possible changes in US foreign policy. Donald Trump has promised to end the war in Ukraine within 24 hours if he wins the election, and his vice presidential candidate J.D. Vance is critical of Kyiv's support. China has not changed its position, but sees an opportunity to become a more influential player.
Carnegie Russia-Eurasia Center Director Alexander Gabuev believes that negotiations could begin this year. “China is preparing for the next rounds of talks,” he said, noting that incoming President Joe Biden may also try to strike a deal to cement his foreign policy legacy.
“Beijing wants to get its share of success and position itself to play a constructive role and be celebrated for it,” Gabuev added.
Beijing spoke out after Zelensky said Putin was ready to participate in a peace summit. Although China positions itself as neutral, Russia's support calls that neutrality into question. Ukraine continues to cooperate with China, despite threats of sanctions from the US and Europe.
Recall that Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban sent a letter to European Council President Charles Michel and other European leaders, in which he stated that Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping are allegedly waiting for “peace talks” before the end of the year.
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