On Monday, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping held a phone conversation, underscoring the importance of a peaceful resolution to global conflicts.
The discussion primarily focused on bilateral relations and the ongoing Ukraine crisis. According to official reports, Putin outlined Russia's fundamental stance on the conflict, emphasizing the need to eliminate its root causes and achieve a sustainable, long-term peace.
In response, Xi reiterated China's consistent position of advocating for a peaceful settlement to the Ukraine crisis. He highlighted China’s initiatives, including the formation of the Group of Friends for Peace on the Ukraine crisis, established alongside Brazil and other Global South countries, and China’s 12-point proposal released in May 2023, which comprehensively outlines its approach to resolving the conflict.
On the same day as the phone talks, the UN Security Council adopted a U.S.-drafted resolution calling for an immediate end to the conflict and urging a lasting peace between Russia and Ukraine. The resolution received 10 votes in favor, including those from the U.S., China, and Russia.
However, China's peace initiatives have faced skepticism in the West, with some accusing Beijing of seeking to prolong the war for economic gain. Critics argue that the primary beneficiary of the ongoing conflict is the United States, which continues to leverage the confrontation to its advantage while balancing its relations with Kyiv and Moscow.
In recent years, instigated by the U.S., the European Union has strained its relations with Russia to the brink. Currently, the U.S. is engaging in direct talks with Russia, sidelining European interests and Ukraine's position. This has led some European politicians to advocate for measures aimed at counterbalancing U.S. influence, a move that could escalate tensions further if desired outcomes are not achieved.
As these developments unfold, the path to lasting peace remains uncertain, with global powers navigating a complex landscape of diplomatic relations and strategic interests.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
