China skipping Ukraine summit ‘not unreasonable’ but could harm its image
- Observers said the decision is in line with Beijing’s view that Moscow and Kyiv must both be present at any meeting to give peace a chance
Russia has not been invited and China has made clear it will not join the conference on Saturday because it falls short of Beijing’s expectations, which included the participation of both Moscow and Kyiv.
According to diplomatic observers, China’s decision could hurt its already-battered image on the world stage and further cement narratives about its support for Russia’s actions.
But the reasoning behind Beijing’s move was not entirely unfounded, they said, adding that Beijing may be poised to soon hold its own summit bringing together the two warring nations.
Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning confirmed last week that China would not attend the summit, saying: “China has repeatedly stressed that the international peace conference needs to meet three important elements, namely recognition from both Russia and Ukraine, equal participation of all parties, and fair discussion of all peace plans.
“As far as China is concerned, the meeting does not yet seem to meet these three elements and that is exactly why China would not be able to take part in the meeting.”