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Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba is embarking on a crucial visit to China this week, aiming to garner Beijing’s assistance in curbing Russia’s backing and advancing Kyiv’s pursuit of a “sustainable” peace.
As the war between Ukraine and Russia continues, Kuleba’s visit to China holds significant importance.
The talks will revolve around exploring potential avenues for Chinese officials to contribute to ending the conflict, which has witnessed a deepening alliance between Moscow and Beijing.
China claims neutrality in the war
China has positioned itself as a neutral party in the war, asserting that it refrains from providing lethal aid to either side, unlike Western nations, including the United States.
However, its expanding “no limits” partnership with Russia has led NATO members to label it a “decisive enabler” of Moscow’s war, despite Beijing’s lack of condemnation.
Ukrainian foreign minister ‘s visit to China, extending until Friday, marks his first since the outbreak of the conflict in February 2022.
Kyiv has stated that the discussions will primarily focus on halting Russian aggression and evaluating China’s potential contribution to achieving a sustainable and just peace.
China’s mediation attempts
China has attempted to position itself as a mediator in the war, engaging in multiple rounds of “shuttle diplomacy” through envoy Li Hui.
President Xi Jinping even emphasized the need for world powers to aid in direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine.
However, China’s previous paper advocating for a “political settlement” faced criticism from Western countries for enabling Russia to retain seized Ukrainian territory.
In response to allegations of supporting Russia’s war efforts, Beijing has rebuffed such claims, asserting that its position is “open and above board.” China further accused the West of exacerbating the conflict through arms shipments to Kyiv.
Notably, China did not attend a recent peace summit in Switzerland, citing its discontent with Moscow’s exclusion.
Ukraine may seek to convince China
During the recent peace summit, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged China to engage seriously with peace proposals.
Alexander Gabuev, director of the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center, suggests that Kyiv may attempt to persuade China this week to participate in a second peace summit, potentially offering concessions in exchange for China’s involvement.
China has been a critical economic ally of Russia since the onset of the conflict. However, this partnership has come under increased scrutiny from Western nations, with the United States vowing to target financial institutions that facilitate Moscow’s war efforts.
Additionally, the United States and Europe have accused China of supplying crucial components and equipment necessary for Russia’s military production.
Gabuev proposes that China may use Ukraine’s interest in a second peace summit as leverage, potentially seeking to alleviate deepening sanctions imposed by Western countries. By actively participating in peace talks, China could aim to extricate itself from mounting international pressure.
Check also;
- US-Africa Relations: Navigating Trade, Human Rights And China’s Growing Influence
- NATO Chief Says China Must Pay For Propping Up Putin’s War
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