China’s envoy for peace talks in Ukraine is “best possible choice for Russia” 

NBC News writes about it. 

Li Hui, China's former ambassador to Moscow, has been appointed as Beijing's representative to facilitate peace talks between Ukraine and Russia. Li's extensive diplomatic experience in the Soviet Union and its aftermath makes him a favorable choice for Moscow, which causes skepticism from Ukraine and Western allies about China's neutrality. 

“Moscow will not be worried because he really understands Russian politics,” says Alexey Maslov, director of the Institute of Asian and African Studies at Moscow State University.

According to the article, Li is now Beijing’s special representative for Eurasian affairs and a strong supporter of Russia. He is fluent in Russian and has even been honored by President Putin with the Medal of Friendship. He also “understands the Russian soul, the Russian psychology, and mentality,” according to Maslov. Li has consistently praised the Sino-Russian relationship, emphasizing the need for a "powerful Russia" in a 2016 article and expressing solidarity between the two nations in a 2020 essay. So, the article states that he certainly stands for China’s and Russia’s unwavering support for each other's core interests.

Russia relies increasingly on this support since facing sanctions and condemnation. In its invasion of Ukraine, Russia expected an easy victory but was defeated by motivated and Western-backed Ukrainian forces. Russia turned to China, selling record amounts of oil to soften the economic blow of its pariah status. This reliance has given Beijing leverage over Moscow in the geopolitical confrontation with the United States.

“Li’s expected visit to several European countries may be a bid to allay concerns about where Beijing’s diplomatic loyalties lie, given that China has previously heralded its “no limits” partnership with Russia, lent it rhetorical and financial support, and refused to condemn last February's invasion,” the article reads. 

It is believed that Li’s deep knowledge of Russia can help interpret China's position accurately and potentially facilitate peace talks. However, significant gaps remain between the two sides. Ukraine demands the restoration of territorial integrity, including Crimea, war damages, and punishment for war criminals. Russia's objectives in negotiations are the full demilitarization of Ukraine, no accession to NATO, and keeping regions that have voted to join Russia. 

Sending Li as an envoy to Ukraine does not build trust between Ukraine and China, according to Michael Horowitz of Le Beck International. China is playing a long-term strategy, positioning itself as a peacemaker and hoping for future talks.

“They understand this is a long-shot, but they bet that at some point talks are inevitable, and are throwing their hat in the ring,” Horowitz said.

Li has also met officials from other post-Soviet states, showing China's independent international stance. However, Western officials remain skeptical of China's neutrality: “Thus far, China has not shown itself to be unbiased when it comes to supporting Russia,” a senior Biden administration official said. Plus, China's appointment of Li is seen as a pragmatic choice due to economic interests with Ukraine and Russia. 

Nevertheless, “at the end of the day, war is won by the strongest army, not by rule of law,” the article concludes.