Xi’s phone call with Zelensky a diplomatic coup but China faces hurdles as peace broker, analysts say
- The conversation signalled that Beijing is willing to take a more active role as a mediator between Ukraine and Russia, analysts say
- But many in Europe and the US, they add, believe that while China is neutral on the surface, it remains predisposed toward Moscow
Wednesday’s phone call between Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Ukraine counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky was a diplomatic coup for Beijing but China still faces formidable challenges in mediating any peace between Ukraine and Russia, analysts said.
The hour-long conversation, which was cautiously welcomed by the US and its European allies, signalled that China is willing to take a more active role as a peacemaker in regional conflicts, the analysts said.
It also shows that Chinese leaders now believe the country is capable of assuming greater responsibilities as a global power, and that such efforts could help mend its ties with Europe and bolster its diplomatic influence, especially with its neighbours and in Central Asia, they added.
The call, the first between the two leaders since Russia invaded Ukraine more than a year ago, was a “crucial step” showing that China has now “normalised” its ties with Ukraine, said Wang Yiwei, an international relations professor at Renmin University in Beijing.
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“To some extent, relations between China and Europe are also normalising; so are China’s ties with Russia, which are gradually emerging from the shadow of the crisis,” Wang said.
