Analysts expect that diplomatic pressure will surface during upcoming visits to Beijing by allies of Ukraine as they navigate the Ukraine crisis. The South China Morning Post reports on how Western governments might press China to take a clearer stance, balancing Beijing’s own interests with international concerns.
Experts suggest Western policymakers should push Beijing beyond its 12 point peace framework and encourage concrete steps that lead to a halt in hostilities. They argue that a pragmatic shift from general principles to verifiable commitments could help create momentum for negotiations and increase pressure on all sides to pursue a diplomatic settlement.
As Ding Yifan, a senior researcher at the Taihe China Analytical Institute, notes, achieving mutual understanding between Chinese and Western officials is unlikely to come easily. He explains that during these visits, Ukraine’s partners are likely to urge China not to back Russia in its military campaign, while Beijing will emphasize its role in promoting dialogue and restraint, underscoring that peace gains rely on negotiations and confidence building rather than unilateral moves.
Raffaello Pantucci, a senior researcher at the Sinnathambi School of International Studies in Rajaratnam, Singapore, remarks that China is serious about its peace efforts, with particular emphasis on the 12 point plan. He observes that President Xi Jinping’s objective appears to be mediation that helps reduce violence while preserving strategic room for dialogue among all parties involved.
In recent diplomatic chatter, El Pais notes that the Chinese leader extended an invitation to the Spanish Prime Minister for talks in Beijing, with discussions anticipated around March 30 to 31. The report highlights how Beijing uses high level visits to project a message of proactive diplomacy and a willingness to broker conversations that could ease regional tensions and set the stage for broader negotiations.
Meanwhile, the South China Morning Post reports that prospects for visits by other European leaders, notably French President Emmanuel Macron, to China are being discussed as part of a broader effort to strengthen dialogue with Beijing. These potential engagements are framed as opportunities to align on peaceful settlement strategies and to explore joint approaches that could support diplomatic channels and humanitarian relief responses across the region.