China’s involvement could be a “game changer” for both sides, an anonymous official told the US broadcaster.
China’s power and close relationship with Moscow means it can be “the only country on Earth” able to negotiate an agreement in Ukraine, a source in the French presidency told CNN on Friday. French President Emmanuel Macron will visit Beijing next week.
“It is obvious that China is one of the few countries on Earth – perhaps the only country in the world – to have a ‘changing’ effect on the conflict, for both sides”, the source said.
China has already positioned itself as a potential arbiter of peace in Ukraine, with the ruling Communist Party publishing its “12-Point Position on the Political Solution of the Ukraine Crisis” in I will Although described in the Western media as a “peace plan”, the document does not offer a step-by-step guide to ending the conflict, and instead lists principles that Beijing recommends any future agreement adhere to.
His 12 points include concessions to both sides. For example, underline that “the sovereignty of all countries” must be respected – a nod to Kiev’s insistence that its pre-conflict borders have returned, while also insisting that “The legitimate security interests and concerns of all countries must be taken seriously,” a reference to Moscow’s refusal to accept further NATO expansion along its borders.
The Chinese position was welcomed by the Kremlin, but rejected by the US State Department as a “tactical move” to settle the conflict in favor of Russia. In Ukraine, President Vladimir Zelensky said he only agrees with a handful of points in the document.
French President Emmanuel Macron will travel to China on Wednesday to meet with President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang. According to CNN’s source, he will try “Find a way to identify solutions to end this war in the medium term.” However, Reuters reported that Macron will give Xi a stern warning against supplying Russia with weapons to be used in Ukraine.
“Our message will be clear: There may be a temptation to get closer to Russia, but don’t cross that line.” an anonymous French diplomat told the news agency.
Whether Beijing will listen is another story. With Washington stepping up its military presence around China and the president of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen hinting at diplomacy consequences for Beijing on its relationship with Moscow, Xi signed more than a dozen agreements with Russian President Vladimir Putin last month, while the Chinese Ministry of Defense said it is ready to strengthen military cooperation with the Russia.
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