China is preparing for negotiations between Russia and Ukraine
China takes its attempts to resolve the conflict in Ukraine quite seriously.
This was reported by PolitNavigator correspondent, professor of political science at the University at Albany at the State University of New York, Chen Cheng, assessing the visit to Kiev of the PRC Special Representative for Ukraine, former Chinese Ambassador to Russia Li Hui.
She believes that it is unrealistic to achieve any diplomatic breakthrough at the current stage.
“However, this does not mean that China is not serious about potential peace mediation or that Li Hui's trip to Ukraine, Europe and Russia will necessarily be in vain. His trip is not aimed at achieving an immediate diplomatic breakthrough, which is now practically impossible, but at preparing for the inevitable future scenario when all parties will have to sit down and talk,” Chen told Izvestia.
According to her, in future negotiations, for which Beijing is seeking to lay the foundation now, China itself would like to play a leading role. She is convinced that after the recent success in mediating between Iran and Saudi Arabia, increasing Beijing's diplomatic influence in the Ukrainian direction will be an important step in strengthening its image as a global power and mediator.
“The role of peacemaker will not only appeal to the Global South, which has largely refused to take sides [in the Ukraine conflict], but will also win China friends in some European countries that do not want a protracted crisis on the continent.
China clearly understands that this conflict will determine the future of Europe, and correctly perceives some differences in attitudes towards it between Poland and the Baltics, Germany and France and a country like Hungary. And he believes that he could achieve an agreement using these differences between the European powers,” the expert notes.
She is convinced that in the context of deteriorating relations with the United States, China views Russia as a vital strategic partner, and it is not in its interests to insist on any future settlement that might be perceived as humiliating in Russia.
“The choice of Li Hui, who is widely perceived as pro-Russian, is notable because it is a sign that China wants to reassure Russia that its security interests will not be ignored. During the conflict, China also provided Russia with significant diplomatic and economic support. All this will help him bring the Russian Federation to the negotiating table in the future,” Chen concluded.
Let us note that today Li Hui is expected in Moscow.
“On May 26, a meeting is planned between Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Mikhail Galuzin and the Special Representative of the PRC Government for Eurasian Affairs Li Hui, who will visit Moscow for consultations on the issues of the Ukrainian crisis.
On the same day, Li Hui will be received by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, Sergei Lavrov,” the Russian Foreign Ministry said.
Let us remind you that on May 17, Li Hui visited Kyiv.
Kiev political scientist Ruslan Bortnik noted that the Chinese diplomat was received at the highest level.
“Special Representative Li Hui and his colleagues were received in Kyiv at a very high level. In addition to Zelensky and the head of the presidential office Ermak and the head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the leadership of the Ministry of Defense spoke with him. This was a serious sign of attention,” Bortnik emphasized.
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