It was eagerly awaited, and now it’s here: Beijing’s 12-point plan for peace in Ukraine. The United States and Kiev welcome the initiative and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (45) even suggested a meeting with China.
Russian foreign politician Leonid Slutzki, 55, on Friday described the plan as “balanced” because it took into account the security interests of all parties involved. “We are prepared for peace, but not at the expense of Russia’s security and sovereignty,” the chairman of the foreign affairs committee in the Russian parliament wrote in his blog on the Telegram network. Meanwhile, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (64) and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg (63) have doubts about China’s intentions.
Simona Grano, a China expert at the University of Zurich, is also sceptical. “China’s plan does not bring concrete changes or solutions, but only reiterates what both sides demand,” she told Blick. And this makes the recommendations incredible. This would require China to take a firm stance on Russia and condemn the war and atrocities.
China has recognized that it needs to change its tactics
The timing of the peace plan also casts doubt on its seriousness. A day earlier, China abstained from a United Nations resolution, while 141 countries called for the withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine. “Therefore, China is neither credible nor impartial as a mediator,” the expert continued.
What does China want to achieve with this plan if it is not a real solution in Ukraine? Grano to Blick: “The only reason we are now experiencing a complete turnaround is that after three years of economic and diplomatic misplanning by the party, China has recognized that it needs to change its tactics and become less belligerent.” Feelers are again deployed to the west.
Will China Deliver Kamikaze Drones to Russia?
Apparently it’s all about image, not action. According to information from “Spiegel”, China is currently negotiating with Russia for the supply of kamikaze drones. Specifically, it concerns about 100 drones of the prototype ZT-180, which will be manufactured by the Chinese company Bingo and will be delivered in April.
And not only that: Bingo should also help Russia to enable drone production in its own country. With the aim: 100 drones per month. It would be the first official arms supply agreement signed between Russia and China since the war. China’s foreign ministry has denied it, but possible drone support erodes the credibility of China’s peace intentions.
‘It’s a difficult tightrope walk’
But even if the contract is signed by the government, “China can always claim that it was an individual company’s decision and that the party will prevent the deal,” Grano explained.
“But in general, given that China is trying to continue its difficult balancing act, such conflicting views should not surprise us.”
Because if you want to get along with everyone, sometimes a balancing act is necessary. “It is a difficult balancing act that China has been undertaking over the past 12 months to try not to further jeopardize its economic interests without distancing itself from its ideological ally, Russia.” Grano warns: “European states should be more careful when it comes to China.”
Source: Blick
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
