Presenting compelling arguments, winning over other nations by treating them as equals and not seeking to dictate from the moral high ground might be the only chance for the established liberal international order to prevail.
China’s peace plan falsely implies both parties are equally at fault; if it sends weapons to Russia, it also risks making an enemy of Nato. Vitally, it is in Beijing’s interests to uphold the UN Charter – which supports its view that Taiwan is Chinese territory.
While China and America can hardly be said to have similar political systems, both have embraced the same form of unhinged capitalism. As the Chinese middle class suffers the consequences, Beijing is seeking to provide ‘common prosperity’ as a corrective.
Putin wants to restore Russia to what he perceives as its former glory, but his invasion of Ukraine is unlikely to play out as he wishes. China, with its dream of national rejuvenation, will surely be watching.