Xi Jinping will seek to be a peacemaker during his visit to Russia

After having achieved a rapprochement between Iran and Saudi Arabiathe Chinese president, Xi Jinpingwill seek to repeat his feat in the Ukrainian conflict during his visit to Russia next week.

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Xi, who is seeking to bolster his country’s position on the world stage after recently being inaugurated for a third term, was even praised by the United States for his role as mediator in the surprise reestablishment of relations between the two great Middle Eastern rivals. last March 10.

China’s intention is “play a constructive role in promoting peace talks”Wang Wenbin, a spokesman for China’s foreign ministry, said Friday.

The Wall Street Journal claimed earlier in the week that Xi planned to speak with his Ukrainian counterpart Volodimir Zelensky soon, a move the White House also called “very good.”

Meanwhile, Westerners hope that he will take advantage of his visit to Moscow to ask his “old friend” Vladimir Putin to put an end to the conflict that has lasted for more than a year.

“Everyone wants the end of the war, since Europe has a lot to lose and the United States may not be able to continue supporting Ukraine for a long time”says Wang Yiwei, director of the Institute of International Affairs at the People’s University of China in Beijing.

China, which is a major ally of Moscow, likes to present itself as a neutral party in the conflict in Ukraine. But he refused to condemn the Russian invasion and criticized US aid to kyiv.

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no concrete solutions

For Elizabeth Wishnick, an expert in Chinese politics at the American University of Montclair, “China has done little to promote peace in Ukraine, as any effort by China would amount to putting pressure on Russia, or at least pointing fingers at it directly.”

Xi Jinping’s visit, which will take place after the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant on Friday for Vladimir Putin for war crimes, is intended to “show support for his strategic ally, without going as far as to help him, which it would trigger sanctions”, estimates the specialist.

China published a 12-point document in February in which it called for dialogue and respect for the territorial sovereignty of each country in the Ukrainian conflict.

He also introduced a Global Security Initiative (GSI), designed to “promote peace and sustainable development.”

In both cases, Westerners criticized the lack of concrete solutions.

For Ja Ian Chong, an associate professor at the National University of Singapore, China’s recent stances appear to be “an attempt to highlight” its GSI and “create momentum for its foreign policy and new global engagement.”

But in the end, he says, it will be the “content of his proposals during meetings with Ukrainian and Russian leaders” that will tell whether China is “effectively stepping up their efforts” for the peace.

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“Armistice”

China’s mediation capacity was evident in the Iranian-Saudi dossier.

However, reaching a deal on Ukraine will be “much more difficult,” warns Wang Yiwei, citing China’s “limited” influence over Russia and US support for Kiev.

But Beijing could, he said, contribute to a “Korean War-style armistice” that would end the fighting but not the territorial sovereignty issues.

According to Elizabeth Wishnick it is “unlikely” that Ukraine “accept China’s mediation because you don’t consider it neutral or impartial.”

“Xi may be itching for another diplomatic success, but I don’t see it on the horizon”esteem.

“None of the parties is yet ready to give up their hopes of winning territories on the battlefield.”

Source: Elcomercio

jack

I am Jack Morton and I work in 24 News Recorder. I mostly cover world news and I have also authored 24 news recorder. I find this work highly interesting and it allows me to keep up with current events happening around the world.