Can China broker peace between Russia and Ukraine? | – #China #broker #peace #Russia #Ukraine

BEIJING, March 16 (Reuters) – Chinese President Xi Jinping soon Russia will visit President Vladimir Putin and, according to the media, China’s 12-point plan for peace in Ukraine offer a few weeks after he did Ukraine President Vladimir Zelensky is expected to hold a virtual meeting with

China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it was in contact with both sides, and Xi’s Putin or Zelensky Although it has not confirmed a plan for talks with China, there is speculation that China may try to bring rivals to the negotiating table.

Below are some issues for China and others to consider as they consider the prospects for peace in Ukraine.

WHY WILL CHINA TRY TO MEDIATION?

China has traditionally adhered to the principle of non-interference in the conflicts of other countries, especially those more distant.

But last week in Beijing Saudi Arabia and Iran The peace deal underlines China’s aim to present itself as a responsible great power under Xi’s leadership, analysts say.

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Wang Jiangyu, a law professor at the City University of Hong Kong, said, “Xi’s influence on the global stage is at least USA he would like to be seen as a statesman equal to the influence of his leader,” he said.

Regarding Ukraine, China also called its invasion in February of last year “special military “operation”, the aggressor wants to deflect criticism that he is on the side of Russia.

Analysts say the attempt to broker a peace is a low-cost initiative that could bring high returns for China, even if rapid progress is unlikely.

WHAT IS CHINA’S PEACE OFFER?

Demon “Ukraine of the crisis political In his 12-point article on “solution”, he called on both sides to agree to a gradual de-escalation leading to a comprehensive ceasefire.

Although the plan calls for the protection of civilians and respect for the sovereignty of all countries, China has refrained from condemning Russia for its invasion.

The plan was not received unequivocally in both Russia and Ukraine. USA and NATO and he was skeptical about it.

Only Russian troops Ukraine Ukraine, which has said it would consider a peace settlement after leaving its territory, disputed the plan because it did not say Russia would have to retreat behind the borders that have existed since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, but later said it was open to “parts.” from the plan”.

Russia said he would conduct a “nuanced study” of the plan, but peace for now way sees no sign of a solution with .

The US has said that China presents itself to the public as neutral and peace-seeking, while reflecting Russia’s “false narrative” about the war, providing it with non-lethal aid and considering lethal aid. China denies this.

NATO He said that China is not very reliable as a mediator in the Ukraine issue.

WHAT ROLE CAN CHINA PLAY?

Analysts say it will be difficult for China to bring Russia and Ukraine to the negotiating table, unlike Saudi Arabia and Iran, which offer easier diplomatic wins.

Yun Sun, director of the China Program at the Washington-based Stimson Center, said: “Saudi Arabia and Iran actually wants to talk and improve relations, Russia and Ukraine don’t, at least not yet.

However, Xi could act as a back channel, Yun said, which could spur talks where it seems unlikely for now that either side will harden their positions in the grinding war.

NATO member Turkey’s failed attempt to host the dialogue in Istanbul last year, weeks after the war began, underscored the difficulty.

WHAT ROLE DOES CHINA HAVE?

Some analysts say that China is in a better position than Turkey to mediate because it has more leverage over Russia.

China is Russia’s most important ally and buys Russian oil and creates a market for Russian goods that the West shuns.

Oxford University Russia expert Samuel Ramani said that China also has certain leverage over Ukraine, and it does not want to spoil the chances of Chinese support for its reconstruction.

He said that after Russia’s occupation of Crimea in 2014, China expanded its trade with Ukraine and did not recognize the annexed territory as Russia.

“The most important, Zelensky He does not want to provoke China so much that they start arming Russia,” Ramani said.

COULD CHINA BE A LOW BROKER?

China’s close ties to Russia mean its role will be viewed with deep skepticism. Days before Russia invaded Ukraine, China and Russia announced an “unlimited” partnership.

Although China called for peace from the beginning of the war, of Ukraine It further reflected Russia’s stance as NATO threatened Russia’s eastward expansion while its Western allies fanned the flames of war by supplying it with tanks and missiles.

Andrew Small, a senior fellow at the German Marshall Fund, said China wants to be seen as doing its part for peace, but it wants Putin to end the war and improve relations with Russia. sacrifice not ready to give.

“Beijing did not throw its weight around and did not want to force Russia to do something.

By Yew Lun Tian and Laurie Chen reportadded by Joe Cash report; Edited by John Geddie and Robert Birsel

Our standards: Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

2023-03-16 11:51:49
Source – reuters

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