How China could help in ending war in Ukraine

Since the full-scale invasion began, China has done much to support Russia’s war against Ukraine. Officially, Beijing declares respect for Ukraine's territorial integrity and still does not recognize the annexation of Crimea or other occupied territories. However, at the same time, it helps Russia bypass sanctions, supplies technological products used for weapons production, actively buys Russian energy resources, and votes in sync with Russia at the UN.

After the change of the U.S. administration, the introduction of new tariffs, and a shift in approaches toward allies, China’s position regarding Europe began to change. A prime example is the recent UN vote: Russia and the U.S. opposed a resolution on Ukraine, while China abstained and criticized the U.S. for ignoring the EU's role in the peace process.

From an economic perspective, China is far more interested in cooperation with the EU than with Russia. The volume of mutual trade is disproportionate. Amid the ongoing tariff war, which the U.S. has ignited, Beijing is already seeking new markets. Developed European countries are much more attractive under these circumstances than Russia or third-world nations. However, Europe itself has accumulated a list of issues with China, one of the main ones being its support for Russia’s aggression. This issue has become key in political negotiations with Beijing. 

It is clear that China's so-called peace plan, announced a few years ago, is not a real plan. It’s a set of general phrases that lack any specifics or commitments. Its primary aim was to appeal to the Biden administration and the EU leaders, who were then coordinating their actions regarding China with the U.S.

However, the shift in American policy with Trump’s return to power has led to increased expectations from China. Donald Trump directly stated at the Davos forum, “China can do more.” The same is now being said by Europe, which has fully realized the existential nature of this war. Security guarantees for Ukraine are security guarantees for the entire continent.

On May 9, Xi Jinping will visit Russia. China has enough leverage over Russia’s ability to wage war, and how it uses this leverage will determine a lot, including which allies China will engage in the tariff war with the U.S. China can definitely do more.

Source

About the author: Mykola Kniazhytskyi, journalist, Member of Parliament of Ukraine.

The editorial team does not always share the views expressed by blog or column authors.