Xi tells Zelensky China will send envoy to Ukraine to discuss ‘political solution’ to war with Russia

Beijing – Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Wednesday that Beijing would send a special envoy to Ukraine to discuss a possible “political solution” to Russia’s war with the country. Beijing, which has previously avoided getting drawn into conflicts between other countries, appears to be trying to establish itself as a global diplomatic force. Schedule talks between Saudi Arabia and Iran March that causing them to restore diplomatic relations After a seven-year break.

Xi told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy by phone that Chinese envoys would visit Ukraine and “other countries” to discuss possible political solutions, according to a government statement reported by Chinese state television.

It made no mention of Russia or its invasion of Ukraine last year. It also did not say whether the Chinese envoy would visit Moscow.

Xi Zelensky’s call had been expected after Beijing said it wanted to be a mediator in the war.

Why does this matter?

China is the only major government Has friendly relations with Moscow And economic clout as the biggest buyer of Russian oil and gas after the U.S. and its allies cut off most purchases.

Beijing, which sees Moscow as a diplomatic partner against U.S. dominance of global affairs, has refused to criticize the invasion and has used its status as one of the five permanent members of the U.N. Security Council to deflect diplomatic attacks on Russia.

Zelensky earlier said he welcomed China’s offer to mediate.

On the other hand, senior U.S. officials claimed earlier this year China is considering deadly aid to Russia’s war effort in Ukraine.

China as global mediator

Xi Jinping’s government has sought to play a bigger role in global diplomacy as part of a campaign to restore China’s legitimacy as the political and economic leader the ruling Communist Party considers and to create an international order that favors Beijing’s interests.

It is a sharp reversal after decades of avoiding involvement in other countries’ conflicts and most international affairs to focus on domestic economic development.

In March, Saudi Arabia and Iran unexpectedly announced after talks in Beijing that they would reopen their embassies in each other’s capitals after a seven-year hiatus. As a big buyer of oil, China has good relations with both countries.

Last week, Foreign Minister Qin Gang told his Israeli and Palestinian counterparts that China was ready to help facilitate peace talks.

Wednesday’s statement warned against danger of nuclear warsuggesting Beijing may also be motivated by what it sees as the growing danger of a more destructive conflict.

Mediating between Ukraine and Russia would increase China’s influence in Eastern Europe, where Beijing has tried to forge ties with other governments. That sparked complaints from some European officials that China was trying to exert influence over the bloc.

How is the relationship between China and Russia?

China is the closest thing to a major ally for President Vladimir Putin’s isolated government. Xi and Putin issued a joint statement ahead of the February 2022 invasion, saying the two governments share a “boundless friendship”.

Beijing has tried to appear neutral, but has repeatedly repeated Russia’s justification for the invasion.

habit Warmly welcomed by Putin During a visit to Moscow in March. China’s defense minister visited Russia this month.

China has increased purchases of Russian oil and gas for its energy-hungry economy, helping to offset lost revenue from Western sanctions. In exchange, China gets a lower price, but details have not been disclosed.

What is the relationship between China and Ukraine?

Before the invasion, China was Ukraine’s largest trading partner, albeit on a smaller scale than the Sino-Russian trade.

In 2021, Ukraine announced plans for Chinese companies to build trade-related infrastructure.

Zelensky’s government has become more ambivalent toward Beijing after it became clear that Xi would not try to prevent Putin’s war, but the two sides have maintained friendly relations.

Foreign Minister Qin pledged this month that China would not supply arms to either side after U.S. officials claimed it could provide “lethal assistance,” a pledge that benefits Ukraine, which has received tanks, rockets and other weapons from U.S. and European governments .

However, China’s ambassador to France caused an uproar in Europe recently when he suggested that former Soviet republics – including Ukraine – might not be sovereign states. This is in line with Putin’s remarks denying Ukraine’s sovereignty.

Beijing then assured the former Soviet states that it respected their sovereignty and said the ambassador’s comments were personal opinions, not official policy.