Beijing, 26 April 2023 (GNP): Chinese President Xi Jinping has spoken via call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for the first time since Russia invaded Ukraine.
China has offered to send a mediator to Kyiv to pursue a “political settlement.” Xi stated that a former Chinese ambassador to Russia would visit Ukraine and other countries to discuss a possible political resolution.
On Twitter, Zelenskyy expressed his belief that the phone call between him and the Chinese leader, as well as the appointment of Ukraine’s ambassador to China, would significantly enhance the bilateral relations between the two countries.
The US White House expressed approval of the phone call between the Chinese and Ukrainian leaders. However, they were uncertain if it would result in a peace agreement. United States national security spokesperson John Kirby acknowledged the positive aspect of the call, but he stated that it was too early to determine if it would lead to a significant development towards peace.
European countries expressed concern after China’s ambassador to France stated that countries like Ukraine, which gained independence following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, do not have recognized international status. Despite the backlash, Beijing maintains its stance on the independence of ex-Soviet states remains unchanged.
China has friendly relations with Moscow and holds significant economic leverage as the top purchaser of Russian oil and gas, following the United States and its allies’ reduction in purchases. Beijing views Moscow as a diplomatic ally in countering US global dominance and has declined to condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. China has employed its status as one of the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council to deflect diplomatic criticism of Russia.
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The Chinese government, under Xi’s leadership, has been striving to increase its influence in global diplomacy. This campaign is aimed at restoring China’s status as a political and economic leader, according to the ruling Communist Party’s view.
Additionally, China intends to create a global order that favors its interests. This represents a significant change from past decades when China largely avoided involvement in international affairs and other countries’ conflicts. During that time, China focused on domestic economic development.
In the past, Beijing has steered clear of involvement in conflicts between other nations, but it now appears to be seeking a more prominent role as a global diplomatic force. China brokered talks between Saudi Arabia and Iran in March, which resulted in the two nations reestablishing diplomatic ties following a seven-year hiatus. Recently, Foreign Minister Qin Gang informed his Israeli and Palestinian counterparts that China is prepared to assist in facilitating peace negotiations.
