Vladimir Putin: China's Xi Jinping could have another motive for meeting Russian President

Chinese President Xi Jinping will visit Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow next week to hold talks on the prospect of peace in Ukraine. Xi is also expected to soon hold a virtual meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky following China’s proposal of a 12-point plan to end the war, though this is yet to be confirmed,

The move has been met with a mixed response by the West as questions are being raised about whether or not China has ulterior motives due to it being a long standing ally of Russia.

China’s political resolution

China has been encouraging a de-escalation on both sides with a 12-point paper on a ‘political resolution of the Ukraine crisis’. The plan highlights the need for the protection of civilians and that sovereignty of all countries should be respected, though China has yet to condemn Russia’s actions in the war.

Officials in the Kremlin have said they will discuss a ‘comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation’ with China. What this entails is unclear, however countries in the West have frequently warned Beijing not to supply weapons to Russia.

Xi is expected to make a state visit to Russia from 20 to 22 March after being invited by Putin, according to a tweet today by Beijing’s foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying. It is thought that a number of ‘important bilateral papers’ will be signed as China tries to broker a peace deal as per the BBC:

On the basis of no-alliance, no-confrontation and no-targeting of any third party, China and Russia have been promoting greater democracy in international relations.

Read more:

⋙ Vladimir Putin's ally finally addresses health speculation after rumours of mysterious poisoning

⋙ Vladimir Putin: US issued fresh warning not to ignore his nuclear threats, 'it is certainly not impossible'

China’s motives for mediation

China has recently taken a more active role in diplomatic relations between other countries and this has been evident in the peace deal struck in Beijing last week between Saudi Arabia and Iran. Analysts are saying it represents new efforts by China to appear as a responsible power on the world stage.

Wang Jiangyu, a law professor at City University of Hong Kong described China’s motives, as per Reuters:

Xi would want to be seen on the global stage as a statesman whose influence at least equals that of the U.S. leader.

The venture by China is expected to be more difficult than the Saudi Arabia and Iran deal but they do have significant leverage with both countries. They have been buying Russian oil and providing a market for Russian goods which the West has eschewed. In Ukraine, China’s economic power and potential for financial investment will be useful in reconstruction efforts in the future, so Zelensky will be keen to keep Xi onside.

Read more:

⋙ Vladimir Putin’s elaborate plan to take over this country revealed

Sources used:

- Reuters 'Explainer: Can China broker peace between Russia and Ukraine?'

- BBC 'China's Xi to meet Putin in Moscow next week'