This chinese diplomacy Negotiations with Russia and Ukraine in the best-case scenario, to bring peace closer to war in Ukraine. These are journalistic information of obscure and anonymous sources that suggest a certain skepticism but are also the first hopeful glimpse of an event. negotiated solution after a year of war. After all, China is the only possible mediator because of its weight and good relations with both sides.
Chinese President Xi Jinping will meet later this week. Moscow With his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, according to the British news agency Reuters. There was no doubt about the journey. Russian agency Tass claimed in January that Putin had invited Xi to visit him in the spring. The American newspaper ‘The Wall Street Journal’ positioned the summit during the celebration of victory over Nazi Germany in May. The progress of the trip would respond to China’s intention to speed up peace talks. Neither the Kremlin nor Zhongnanhai have yet responded to this information.
The same American media confirmed today that Xi will probably also have a virtual meeting with Volodymyr Zelenski after his trip to Moscow. Despite the attitude of the Ukrainians, they will speak for the first time since the conflict began. Xi and Putin, by contrast, held at least four meetings last year.
This Chinese diplomatic initiative comes two weeks after presenting the peace plan. It wasn’t bold or elaborate, just a summary of self-evidence with no schedule or prerequisites for dialogue, but it was the first plan to suggest an unarmed ending. It was announced shortly after Wang Yi, the then head of Chinese diplomacy, offered Putin a nod from Moscow, and drew Zelensky’s attention and applause. On the other hand, the United States, Brussels and NATO have illegitimized Beijing because of its alleged proximity to Moscow.
Chinese neutrality
All hopes of mediation since the beginning of the conflict fell on Beijing, but Moscow and Washington foiled their intentions. The first excludes dialogue until they have solidified their positions on the battlefield, and the second has tried to deny China’s neutrality with stubborn announcements about arms shipments that would never reach Russia.
This China equality distance requires diplomatic juggling. He did not condemn the Russian offensive, avoids mentioning the invasion, and blames NATO expansion for the disaster, but at the same time demands respect for Ukrainian sovereignty and continues without sending a canteen to Russian troops. Their support for Moscow begins and ends with moving declarations of common fraternity.
If China’s diplomatic activity in Ukraine materializes, it will deepen its increased involvement in global conflicts. In Beijing last week, he spearheaded an end to hostilities between Saudi Arabia and Iran, chief foes in the Middle East, who agreed to restore diplomatic relations and revive the security agreement signed 22 years ago. Mediation was a historic achievement for China in a part of the planet under the traditional influence of Washington.