Push for peace talks between Russia-Ukraine
On the eve of the one-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, China has called for a cease-fire between the two sides and for peace talks to commence as part of a 12-point plan to end the war.
China’s Foreign Ministry revealed the plan on Friday, Beijing time, and also called for the end of Western sanctions on Russia, measures to ensure nuclear facilities, humanitarian corridors for civilians to flee the conflict and a process to ensure the continuation of grain exports.
“All parties should support Russia and Ukraine in working in the same direction and resuming direct dialogue as quickly as possible,” the plan reads.
Nuclear weapons nix
In the proposal, China indicated its strong opposition to the use of nuclear weapons in the conflict, as well as the threat of deploying them.
“Nuclear weapons must not be used and nuclear wars must not be fought,” the plan said. “The threat or use of nuclear weapons should be opposed.”
Despite the peace proposal, US officials have not ruled out that China could be preparing to provide lethal military aid to Russia.
Earlier this month, US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman said at an event at the Brookings Institution in Washington, DC, that the US has “growing concern” about the Chinese-Russian partnership.
“My assessment is the PRC [People’s Republic of China] is trying to both increase its standing in the international community by saying that it’s willing to mediate and help bring this horrifying invasion to an end. And at the same time, they are committed to their no-limits partnership with Russia,” Sherman said.
“And we have, certainly, concern and growing concern about that partnership and the PRC’s support for this invasion.”
Chinese state-controlled firms have sold non-lethal drones and other equipment to both Russia and Ukraine since the start of the conflict.
China abstained Thursday when the United Nations General Assembly voted on a nonbinding resolution calling for Russia to end hostilities in Ukraine and withdraw from the former Soviet state.
After releasing the peace plan, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs vowed Friday that the PRC will “continue to play a constructive role” in the resumption of peace talks, but did not elaborate as to how.
The entire 12 points of China’s abstract peace proposal are: Respecting the sovereignty of all countries; Abandoning the Cold War mentality; Ceasing hostilities; Resuming peace talks; Resolving the humanitarian crisis; Protecting civilians and prisoners of war (POWs); Keeping nuclear power plants safe; Reducing strategic risks; Facilitating grain exports; Stopping unilateral sanctions; Keeping industrial and supply chains stable; and promoting post-conflict reconstruction.
Chinese President Xi Jinping is planning to visit Moscow for a summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the coming months, according to a Wall Street Journal report. The meeting is expected to be part of China’s push to end the war.