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Questions swirl around the People’s Republic of China as a possible last-minute peacemaker for the Ukraine-Russo War following its recent success mediating a dialogue between Iran and Saudi Arabia.
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Chinese President Xi Jinping met with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, to discuss cooperation and strategic partnership of coordination on 20 March, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also publicly announced an intention to meet Xi Jinping earlier this year.
“You (Xi Jinping) personally and all of our Chinese friends devote much attention to Russian-Chinese relations, taking a fair and balanced stance on the majority of topical international issues. We have carefully studied your proposals on resolving the acute Ukraine crisis and we will have an opportunity to discuss this matter,” Russian President Vladimir Putin said during the initial meeting.
“We know that you are guided by the principles of justice and respect for the fundamental provisions of international law and indivisible security for all countries. You are aware as well that we remain open to negotiations. We will, of course, discuss these issues, including your initiatives, which we certainly respect.
“Overall, our interaction in the international arena is promoting the fundamental principles of international order and multipolarity. There are lots of economic cooperation issues.”
At the meeting, PRC President Xi Jinping said the two countries share many similar development objectives and can work together via cooperation to push for the realisation of those objectives.
The comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination between the two countries has safeguarded the international fairness and justice on the one hand, and promoted common prosperity and development of the two countries on the other, he said.
PRC Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin addressed the recent peace in the Middle East and the conflict in Ukraine, during a regular press conference on 20 March.
“China always stands on the side of peace and dialogue. We will continue to play a constructive part in the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis,” he said.
“We have done boils down to supporting talks for peace. We always stand on the side of peace and dialogue and on the right side of history.”
Wang also refuted claims that Chinese ammunition was being used by Russian troops in the conflict.
“I need to stress that it is the US, not China, that has been sending weapons to the battlefields in Ukraine,” he said.
“The US needs to stop fuelling the fight with more weaponry and fanning the flame, stop pointing fingers at other countries or seeking to coerce and intimidate them, and play a constructive role in the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis, rather than the opposite.”
The PRC is fresh from negotiating a cease in hostilities between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Islamic Republic of Iran. All three countries attended talks in Beijing during March this year.
“The three countries announce that an agreement has been reached between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Islamic Republic of Iran, that includes an agreement to resume diplomatic relations between them and reopen their embassies and missions within a period not exceeding two months, and the agreement includes their affirmation of the respect for the sovereignty of states and the non-interference in internal affairs of states,” a joint trilateral statement by the Saudi government said on 11 March.
“The three countries expressed their keenness to exert all efforts towards enhancing regional and international peace and security.”
A PRC foreign ministry spokesperson said Saudi Arabia and Iran have agreed to resolve disagreements between them through dialogue and diplomacy, respect the sovereignty of states, and not interfere in internal affairs of states.
“Saudi Arabia and Iran also expressed their appreciation and gratitude to China for hosting and sponsoring the talks, and the efforts it placed towards its success,” the spokesperson said.
“China looks forward to seeing closer communication and dialogue between Saudi Arabia and Iran and stands ready to continue playing a positive and constructive role in facilitating such efforts.
“I want to stress that China pursues no selfish interest whatsoever in the Middle East. We respect the stature of Middle East countries as the masters of this region and oppose geopolitical competition in the Middle East.
“China has no intention to and will not seek to fill so-called vacuum or put up exclusive blocs. China always believes that the future of the Middle East should always be in the hands of the countries in the region.”
