Key Takeaways:
- EU urges China to limit dual-use exports to Russia for military restraint
- Strained relations with the EU over China’s influence on Russia
- Goal of ‘shuttle-diplomacy’ to reach a consensus and build bridges for peace talks
China has unequivocally advocated for ‘direct dialogue’ between Russia and Ukraine, asserting its readiness to act as a catalyst in ‘building bridges’ to convene the conflicting parties and terminate a crisis that has persisted for three years. Addressing the United Nations Security Council on the matter, Chinese envoy Geng Shuang urged the involved parties to maintain composure, enhance direct communication, and foster consensus, progressively working towards viable solutions.
Geng Shuang articulated, “China calls on the parties concerned to remain calm and restrained, strengthen direct contact and dialogue, gradually build consensus, and jointly explore feasible solutions.” He affirmed China’s commitment to sustaining communication with all involved parties, striving for a ceasefire and an end to the war, and actively contributing to the creation of conditions conducive to dialogue and peace talks. Geng emphasized that conflicts should find resolution at the negotiation table, as “there are no winners in conflicts and confrontations.”
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Highlighting the urgency of initiating dialogue, Geng stated, “The earlier we start talking, the sooner peace will come.” This plea comes amid China’s intensified diplomatic efforts, spearheaded by Beijing’s special representative for Eurasian affairs, Li Hui, who is on his second shuttle diplomacy trip in less than a year. Li’s journey has taken him through Moscow, Brussels, Kyiv, and Warsaw, with Paris and Berlin as the concluding stops on his itinerary.
EU Urges China to Limit Dual-Use Exports to Russia
As Russia gains ground on the battlefield and Ukraine seeks renewed Western support, China is actively engaged in garnering support for a peaceful resolution. Reports suggest that China is exploring the possibility of inviting Russia to a Ukraine peace summit hosted by Switzerland. However, skepticism looms in the West regarding China’s peace endeavors, given its close ties with Moscow.
In a meeting with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin on March 2, 2024, Li Hui endorsed the inclusion of Russia in any peace settlement for Ukraine, as confirmed by Moscow’s foreign ministry. Despite reservations in the West, China persists in its pursuit of a diplomatic solution, emphasizing the need for dialogue and collaboration to bring an end to the protracted conflict.
During a recent meeting with Li in Brussels, European Union officials emphasized once again the urgency for China to restrict the exports of dual-use equipment to Russia, equipment that could potentially enhance the capabilities of the Russian military. This plea comes in the wake of the EU’s imposition of restrictions on four Chinese companies the previous month. In response, Li vehemently expressed his ‘firm opposition’ to what he deemed as the EU’s ‘unilateral sanctions’, as reported by the Chinese foreign ministry.
In a contentious exchange, Li went on to urge Europe to cease sending weapons to Ukraine, contending that such actions were obstructing the possibility of fruitful negotiations. European Union officials dismissed these remarks, characterizing them as echoing ‘Moscow’s talking points.’ The clash highlights the ongoing tension between China and the EU over their respective stances on the conflict.
China’s ‘Shuttle Diplomacy’: A Pivotal Quest for Consensus in Ukraine Crisis
Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning Mao articulated the essence of China’s diplomatic endeavors, stating, “The goal of the current ‘shuttle-diplomacy’ efforts is to reach a consensus on [resolving] the conflict and build bridges to hold peace talks.” This commitment reflects China’s readiness to play a special role in resolving the crisis in Ukraine, underlining the gravity of the situation and the global imperative for a peaceful resolution.
“The goal of the current ‘shuttle-diplomacy’ efforts is to reach a consensus on [resolving] the conflict and build bridges to hold peace talks.”
– Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning Mao
Li Hui’s recent diplomatic odyssey, spanning Kyiv, Warsaw, Paris, Berlin, Brussels, and Moscow from May 15-26, 2023, signifies a comprehensive engagement with key stakeholders in the Ukraine conflict. During this crucial trip, Li engaged in high-level discussions with Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky and diplomats from the countries on his itinerary, including a noteworthy meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Li’s diplomatic pedigree, having served as China’s deputy foreign minister from 2008 to 2009 and as China’s ambassador to Russia from 2009 to 2019, underscores the depth of experience brought to the table.
As Li Hui’s mission approaches its zenith in Moscow, the international community awaits with bated breath, recognizing the significance of China’s role in shaping the course of peace talks for the protracted Ukraine conflict. The climax of this diplomatic venture holds the potential to either usher in a new era of dialogue or intensify the complexities of one of the most pressing global challenges. The spotlight is on Li Hui and his diplomatic finesse, as the world anticipates the outcome of China’s commitment to ‘build bridges’ and pave the way for meaningful peace talks in Ukraine.
Despite Beijing’s claims of neutrality in the war, China has consistently attributed the prolongation of the conflict to Western military support for Ukraine. This narrative has further strained relations with the EU, which, along with Ukraine, has persistently implored China to leverage its influence on Russia.
Talks in Kyiv Span Forced Deportation and North Korean Missiles
Another pivotal meeting unfolded between Li and Ukrainian officials in Kyiv on Thursday, March 7, 2024, where discussions revolved around the potential for China to play a role in ending the forced deportation of Ukrainian children. The talks also featured the presentation of samples of a downed missile manufactured by North Korea, a strategic partner of Beijing and an entity accused of providing military support to Russia’s invasion.
A concise statement from the Chinese foreign ministry described the discussions in Kyiv as ‘candid and friendly’, hinting at the complexities underlying the diplomatic engagement. Responding to queries in Mandarin, Wang artfully navigated discussions about China’s alliance with Russia, initiated just before the invasion. Emphasizing the strategic depth of their relationship, he highlighted the pinnacle of bilateral trade at a staggering $240 billion in 2023, branding their ties as a transformative ‘new paradigm’ among major powers, foreseeing boundless opportunities.
China, positioning itself as a neutral entity in the Ukraine conflict, previously unveiled a comprehensive 12-point peace plan on the conflict’s first anniversary, championing a ceasefire and dialogues between the conflicting parties.
Wang reiterated China’s steadfast commitment to an ‘objective and impartial position’ on Ukraine, reiterating the urgent need for peace talks. He warned against the prolonged conflict, acknowledging its potential to spiral into a larger crisis, emphasizing the critical role of peace envoy Li Hui, currently active in the region.