China’s proposal for peace talks and a ceasefire in Ukraine has generated mixed reactions and skepticism from various stakeholders, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the U.S., Germany, and experts in the field of international security.
While China’s interest in the Ukrainian conflict is seen by Zelenskyy as “not bad,” he also emphasized the importance of concrete steps and outcomes beyond vague statements. He also acknowledged that some points in the Chinese proposals were agreeable, but others were not. The U.S. expressed concern that China might provide lethal aid to Russia, despite Beijing’s claims of neutrality and friendship with Moscow. German officials noted that the Chinese proposal missed a key point, namely the withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine, and urged a more forceful stance.
China’s proposal, released on Friday by the Foreign Ministry, mainly reiterated long-held positions, including respect for the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of all countries, condemnation of threats of nuclear force, and calls for an end to the “Cold War mentality.” It also indirectly criticized the expansion of NATO and called for an end to unilateral sanctions on Russia. However, the proposal did not specify what would happen to the territory occupied by Russia since the invasion, which began one year ago. Moreover, analysts doubted China’s credibility as an honest broker and an effective mediator, given its close ties with Russia and its limited influence in the Ukrainian conflict.
While China’s proposal might be seen as a gesture of goodwill, it does not address the root causes of the conflict nor offer a feasible path to resolution. As the U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan remarked, the war could end tomorrow if Russia stopped attacking Ukraine and withdrew its forces. The fact that it hasn’t done so, and that it has increased its military presence near the Ukrainian border, suggests that the conflict is far from over. The recent U.N. General Assembly resolution, which called on Russia to end hostilities in Ukraine and withdraw its forces, was supported by most countries, including China, which abstained.
China’s interest in Ukraine is not only related to its commitment to peace and stability but also to its strategic goals in the region and its relations with the U.S. and Russia. As the U.S. and China engage in a new type of Cold War over trade, technology, and human rights, among other issues, Ukraine becomes a geopolitical chessboard where various players seek to advance their interests. China’s attempts to position itself as a neutral and constructive actor may help it improve its image, but it will not solve the Ukrainian conflict nor ease the tensions between the U.S. and China.
In conclusion, while China’s proposal for peace talks and a ceasefire in Ukraine is a welcome sign of engagement, it falls short of addressing the core issues and lacks credibility as an effective mediator. The Ukrainian conflict requires a more robust and coordinated international effort, including diplomatic, economic, and military measures, to deter Russian aggression, support Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and promote a peaceful and sustainable resolution.