Chinese President Xi Jinping has stated that China is prepared to step up diplomatic coordination to facilitate a political settlement of Russia’s war against Ukraine. Beijing is insisting on the resumption of talks and is prepared to work with the international community to bring an end to the hostilities and find a peaceful solution.
Briefly about the main points
- Beijing has stated its readiness to step up coordination regarding the war.
- China insists that negotiations are the way to bring an end to the fighting.
- Xi Jinping met with Putin at the SCO summit.
- Ukraine is calling on the PRC to exert diplomatic influence on Russia.
What does Beijing’s statement entail?
China’s position calls for a political and diplomatic resolution to the war and for dialogue rather than further escalation. Beijing has repeatedly stated that it is prepared to play a «constructive role» in finding a solution alongside other countries.
At the same time, it was announced that Xi Jinping This willingness to strengthen coordination was not accompanied by the announcement of a specific initiative, a timetable for contacts or the parameters of the negotiation process. China did not declare any commitment to act as a guarantor of a future peace agreement.
The meeting with Putin and the principles underpinning China’s position
On 31 August, Xi Jinping met with the President of Russia Vladimir Putin in Bishkek, where the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit was taking place. According to a statement from the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the leaders discussed bilateral relations, as well as international and regional issues. The Chinese leader also called for greater cooperation and coordination against the backdrop of global uncertainty.
Beijing links a possible settlement to respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, and compliance with The UN Charter, whilst taking into account the security interests of the parties and supporting peace efforts. In June, China’s representative to the UN Security Council spoke of the need to cease hostilities, hold peace talks and conclude a peace agreement as soon as possible.
A new diplomatic initiative and Kyiv’s expectations
The issue of ending the war has also featured more prominently in other discussions. The Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi During a conversation with Putin, he called for an end to the conflict «for the sake of humanity».
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported on negotiations with representatives Donald Trump and Steve Witkoff і Jared Kushner regarding the next steps and preparations for new diplomatic contacts. According to him, September could bring significant changes to the peace process.
Kyiv has repeatedly called on China to use its considerable political and economic influence over Russia. At the end of August, Zelenskyy expressed his hope that Beijing would play a stronger diplomatic role in bringing the war to an end.
What will determine China’s practical role
During talks in Bishkek, Xi Jinping stated that the foundations of Sino-Russian relations must be made stronger. China and Russia are developing cooperation in trade, energy and politics, and are coordinating their positions on the international stage.
Direct, ongoing dialogue between Beijing and the Kremlin could make China a key player in diplomatic contacts. If the current statement is followed up with practical action, the first steps could involve consultations with Kyiv, Moscow and other parties to the negotiation process. The Chinese side has not publicly announced any specific new measures.
