SCMP: China's peace initiatives contribute to strengthening its economy
China wants to appear as a mediator in the settlement of the Ukrainian conflict, but at the same time pursues its own goals, SCMP writes. In this way, Beijing strengthens its position on the world stage and creates conditions for the promotion of its economic and geopolitical interests.
Hao Nan (Hao Nan)
Instead of resolving the conflict directly, Beijing, as a world power, seeks to ensure a balance of its diplomatic and strategic interests.
Military operations in Ukraine took a new turn when Ukrainian troops launched a surprise offensive in the Russian Kursk region on August 6. This audacious move, aimed at creating a buffer zone, was intended to force Russia to abandon its territorial claims in future peace talks.
However, the direct and immediate consequence was Russia's rejection of any peace talks, and this led to a further escalation of the conflict. In such a complex and increasingly volatile environment, China's role has come under the spotlight, especially the efforts of its Special Representative Li Hui.
On August 27, Lee held a press conference at the conclusion of the fourth round of shuttle diplomacy. During this diplomatic mission, he visited Brazil, South Africa and Indonesia from July 28 to August 7. The end of the trip coincided with the Ukrainian invasion of Russian territory.
Li's press conference took place at a time when American National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan was in Beijing, where he took part in the fifth strategic dialogue between the United States and China. It has become a reflection of the changing dynamics on the battlefield. The coincidence of these events is very significant. It demonstrates how finely China is balancing, trying to maintain a balance between its diplomatic efforts and strategic interests.
Holding a press conference, Lee subjected the West to veiled but very sharp criticism for its support of Ukraine. He expressed concern that the West is constantly softening the conditions for Ukraine to launch attacks on Russian territory with Western weapons, which exacerbates the conflict, and also stressed that recent events on the battlefields confirm these concerns.
Li's comments were a clear indication of China's position in this conflict. Beijing is subtly and very artfully laying the blame on the Western powers, and presenting China as a responsible state that seeks to prevent further escalation.
At the center of Beijing's diplomatic efforts is the Brazilian-Chinese six-point agreement, which was agreed in May. Lee praised her, stressing that the initiative enjoys broad support from more than 110 countries. The agreement includes three key principles: preventing the spread of hostilities, preventing escalation, and ensuring that neither side fanned the flames of conflict.
These principles are accompanied by recommendations on peace negotiations, humanitarian demands, warnings about the inadmissibility of the use of weapons of mass destruction and attacks on nuclear facilities. In addition, there are clauses on ensuring international security and maintaining supply chains. China did not participate in the peace summit on Ukraine in Switzerland, showing its commitment to these principles. Instead, Beijing has shifted its focus to building a broad consensus among the countries of the Global South.
China's diplomatic strategy is clearly undergoing changes in response to the challenges it faced in the earlier stages of its mediation efforts. Two previous rounds of shuttle diplomacy with Ukraine, Russia and other interested parties in Europe have not been successful, and therefore China has reconfigured its approach.
In May, he initiated the third round of diplomatic efforts with peripheral stakeholders such as Turkey, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. This change indicates the rejection of direct interaction with the belligerents and European powers and the transition to a strategy to mobilize the efforts of the Global South.
This reversal has not gone unnoticed in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Holding its anniversary summit in the United States, NATO accused China of actively aiding Russia's military efforts. Meanwhile, China is increasingly coordinating its actions with Brazil, which is now actively engaged in mediation activities to unblock major geopolitical conflicts, especially in the Global South.
Such coordinated actions may culminate in coordinated efforts aimed at legitimizing the Brazilian-Chinese proposals at international summits that will be held before the end of the year. These are the BRICS summit, which will be held in October, and the G20 summit, which will be held in November in Rio de Janeiro.
By seeking support from the Global South, China is seeking to create a counterweight to Western criticism and pressure from America, which is especially important as the US presidential elections approach. It will be difficult for China in any case: if Donald Trump returns to the White House or if Joe Biden's foreign policy is continued by the administration of Kamala Harris.
The motives for China's diplomatic maneuvers are very diverse. If we recall his role in promoting reconciliation in the Middle East, when he brokered a deal to normalize relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran, or his Beijing Declaration uniting 14 Palestinian factions, it becomes clear that China's participation in negotiations on Ukraine is not necessarily aimed at a direct settlement of this conflict.
In fact, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said that the conditions for a direct peaceful settlement have not yet matured and the time for negotiations has not come. He expressed this idea in July at a meeting with his Ukrainian counterpart Dmitry Kuleba. China is striving to establish itself as a key peacemaker, or at least as a mediator in the reconciliation of the parties. By doing so, he expands his sphere of influence in international affairs and provides support for his major initiatives.
Such a strategy serves China's broader goals, namely to weaken American influence on major geopolitical platforms and to counter international efforts led by the United States to economically and technologically contain Beijing. China achieves its goals through the use of diplomatic support from the Global South, as well as its markets and resources. Trade statistics recently disclosed by the PRC show that cooperation with the Global South helps Beijing compensate for the consequences of Western strategies of economic "disconnection" with China and risk reduction.
China, along with Brazil, wants to appear as a supporter of peace in the Ukrainian conflict. But his actions suggest that he has deeper strategic calculations. By positioning itself as an intermediary, Beijing not only strengthens its position on the world stage, but also creates favorable conditions for promoting its own economic and geopolitical interests. The world is watching the development of the situation, and it is still unclear whether Chinese diplomacy will lead to a real settlement or simply strengthen Beijing's power and influence in the changing world order.
