- The 12 points contain very few specifics
- No word on the occupied territories
- Low blows against the US, EU and Ukraine
- No substantial offers to Kyiv
- Instead, pro-Russia argumentation
- EU, USA, NATO express skepticism
A Chinese peace plan for Ukraine – that sounds like great news. After all, China has a credible reputation both vis-à-vis its ally Russia and its long-time trading partner Ukraine. If anyone can negotiate a ceasefire, it is China.
Regrettably, the document presented today does not live up to these expectations. In this China.Table special edition, Michael Radunski analyses why the document is so vague, what the individual formulations mean – and why there is still some hope.
For those hoping for a savior from Beijing, it is better to come to terms with the reality of the situation. It is a European conflict, not an Asian one. And for most countries in the world, their own interests are not necessarily aligned with those of Ukraine. In order to deal with an aggressive Russia, Europe must re-learn the ability to deal with conflict. Other powers represent their own agenda, not Europe’s.
Finn Mayer-Kuckuk
Feature
China’s peace initiative – a big disappointment
China has presented its much-anticipated proposal for ending the Ukraine war. On Friday morning, the Chinese Foreign Ministry in Beijing published China’s position on the political solution to the Ukraine crisis 关于政治解决乌克兰危机的中国立场. The paper covers a total of 12 points.
In it, Beijing urges resuming direct dialogue as soon as possible because “dialogue and negotiation are the only viable solution to the Ukraine crisis”.
The main points are:
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