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Don’t expect China to be a mediator in Ukraine conflict any time soon, experts say
- President Xi Jinping says China is willing to play a constructive role in resolving the conflict
- But the timing and conditions for it to assume such a role are not yet seen to be in place
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Further prolonging of the war in Ukraine could push China to become a mediator for the sake of strategic interests, but the strength of Beijing’s commitment to or influence on Moscow remains to be seen, experts say.
Almost a year on since the Russian military invaded, hostilities in Ukraine show no signs of coming to an end.
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Russia says 89 killed in Ukrainian attack, blames mobile phone use
Russia says 89 killed in Ukrainian attack, blames mobile phone use
In a year-end video call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on December 30, Chinese President Xi Jinping praised him for not ruling out a diplomatic solution to the conflict, days after the Russian leader said he was ready to negotiate with all relevant parties.
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Xi also said China was willing to play a constructive role in resolving the conflict.
But Russian missiles have continued to hit residential and energy infrastructure, while Russia said a Ukrainian missile strike around midnight on New Year’s Eve killed 89 of its soldiers in the Donetsk region.
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Many see China as being engaged in a balancing act between the West and Russia – adjusting its position over the course of the war.
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