China Ukraine stance

Li Hui, a former ambassador to Moscow, will visit Ukraine, Poland, France, Germany, and Russia to discuss a political settlement to the war.

Beijing wants to charm Europe and the Global South away from the United States. What is – or is not – working, and what is Beijing’s next move?

China is finally taking concrete steps toward mediation, but its “pro-Russia neutrality” remains very much in evidence.

The Chinese ambassador to France suggested in an interview that the states of the former Soviet Union were not recognized as sovereign. Beijing walked the comments back.

There are safer ways for Beijing to address Russian munitions shortages in Ukraine than sending Chinese weapons to the frontlines.

Much commentary has focused on how China might apply lessons from the Russia-Ukraine war to Taiwan. But what about the disputed Sino-Indian border?

Foreign Minister Qin Gang’s attempt to address a major European and U.S. concern came days before China’s defense minister heads to Moscow.

But Xi gave no indication Beijing would use its leverage as Vladimir Putin's diplomatic partner to press for a settlement.

Despite the visit, what Russia and China will be willing to do for each other beyond diplomatic comfort remains to be seen.

Anyone seriously considering China playing a role as peacemaker in Ukraine needs to wrestle with its constant and overt declarations of “unswerving” partnership with Russia.

Understanding the meaning of the dueling trips requires a closer look at the larger context of China and Japan’s recent international diplomatic efforts. 

While Chinese President Xi Jinping was in Moscow, Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio made a surprise visit to Kyiv.