China’s Peace Proposal for Ukraine War: A Signal to the West?
Commentary
On February 23, 2023, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The non-binding resolution has two significant parts.
One is the call for Russia’s immediate cessation of the strike on Ukraine’s critical infrastructure together with attacks on civilian objects and infrastructure. Another objective of the resolution is the call on sovereign countries and international institutions to redouble support for diplomatic efforts to achieve peace in Ukraine.
The non-binding resolution of the United Nations General Assembly has been passed with 141–7 votes. However, 32 countries also decided to abstain from voting and China is prominent among them.
At first glance, it may appear as China’s neutral position regarding the Ukraine war. However, in the latter day's events and China’s activities signal something different. Interestingly, just a day after the passing of the UN General Assembly Resolution, China’s foreign ministry proposed a peace proposal regarding the Ukraine War. The peace proposal urges both Russia and Ukraine to agree to a ceasefire.
Contents of China’s Peace Proposal
China’s twelve points peace proposal convenes peace talks among Russia and Ukraine as soon as possible.
The twelve points of the peace proposal are as follows:
- Respecting sovereignty of all countries.
- Abandoning the Cold War Mentality.
- Ceasing hostilities.
- Resuming peace-talks.
- Resolving the humanitarian crisis.
- Protecting civilians and prisoners of war.
- Keeping nuclear power plants safe.
- Reducing strategic risks.
- Facilitating grain exports.
- Stopping unilateral sanctions.
- Keeping industrial and supply chains stable.
- Promoting post-conflict reconstruction.
China’s peace proposal came on the eve of a very important date, the anniversary of Ukraine invasion. Again, the peace proposal was propounded just after the visit of Chinese Senior diplomat Wang Yi to Russia on February 22, 2023.
The Peace Proposal and What China Wants to Achieve?
Through the twelve points peace proposal, China makes an effort to present itself as mediator, as well as a neutral state party to the Ukraine war.
However, sifting through the twelve points, it is evident that China’s neutrality is quite skewed to Russia!
Confused readers may again sift through the points of the peace proposal and will find the phrases like Cold War Mentality and Military Blocs, which simply strengthens China’s pro-Russia stance!
May be this peace proposal is China’s stepping stone to show an excuse to assist Russia through military and lethal aid.
However, in response to China’s peace proposal, the President of Ukraine showed interest for a summit with Xi Jinping, and China has not yet responded to that expression of interest.
China’s twelve point proposal also signals to the West about China’s desire to be an international peacemaker.
China also drags a political and strategic line of difference between the West and the Global South. Mention of phrases like ‘abandoning cold war mentality’; ‘stopping unilateral sanctions’; and ‘keeping industrial and supply chain stable’ only reiterate the distinctive differences of preoccupied thoughts between the West and the Global South.
Concluding Remarks
What is the prospect of China’s peace proposal? The following few weeks and the severity of Russia’s spring offensive would determine the fate of the twelve points peace proposal.
It would, at the same time, become clear to all whether the Peace Proposal is really a serious effort by China, or it is simply a facade or an excuse for China to opt for Russian side in the Ukraine War.
