Day: March 21, 2023

• China issued a plan to end the war.
• which includes “ceasing hostilities” and resuming peace talks.
• China’s approach made no mention of Russia’s withdrawal from Ukraine.

Vladimir Putin has said he will discuss Xi Jinping‘s 12-point plan to “settle the acute crisis in Ukraine”, during a highly anticipated visit to Moscow by the Chinese president.

“We’re always open for a negotiation process,” Mr. Putin said, as the leaders called each other “dear friends”.

Last month, China issued a plan to end the war, which includes “ceasing hostilities” and resuming peace talks.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said: “The world should not be fooled by any tactical move by Russia, supported by China or any other country, to freeze the war on its own terms.”

He added: “Calling for a ceasefire that does not include the removal of Russian forces from Ukrainian territory would effectively be supporting the ratification of Russian conquest.”

China’s approach made no mention of Russia’s withdrawal from Ukraine, which Ukraine has stressed is a prerequisite for any negotiations.

Instead, it talked of “respecting the sovereignty of all countries”, adding that “all parties must stay rational and exercise restraint” and “gradually de-escalate the situation”.

The plan also opposed the use of “unilateral sanctions,” which was interpreted as a veiled criticism of Ukraine’s Western backers.

On Monday, a military band welcomed Mr. Xi to Moscow. Mr. Putin lauded China for “observing the principles of justice and pushing for “undivided security for every country”.

In reply, Mr. Xi told Mr. Putin: “Under your strong leadership, Russia has achieved enormous steps in its prosperous development. I am convinced that the Russian people will continue to back you up.”

Before Mr. Xi arrived, Mr. Putin stated in China’s People’s Daily that “aggressive” US behavior would not harm the two countries.

Ukrainian politicians have publicly emphasized their shared values with China, such as respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity.

They have, however, discreetly lobbied for a meeting – or phone conversation – between President Volodymyr Zelensky and Mr Xi.

The concern in Kyiv is that China’s support for Russia, which is presently based on technology and trade, may expand to include artillery munitions.

“If China does move to openly supply weapons to Russia, it will in effect be taking part in the conflict on the side of the aggressor,” said Oleksiy Danilov, the secretary of Ukraine’s National Security and Defence Council.

According to Yu Jie, a research fellow on China at Chatham House, it was in Beijing’s best interests to normalize relations with Russia, with whom it shares a 4,300km (2,700 miles) border.

Russia provides energy to Beijing’s massive economy and is viewed as a partner in opposing the US.

Ms. Yu went on to say that Mr. Xi had just won a diplomatic success by facilitating the resumption of diplomatic relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia.

This could be an opportunity for him to investigate the possibility of mediating between Russia and Ukraine.

Mr. Xi was treated to a seven-course supper on Monday evening, which included nelma fish from the Pechora River in northern Russia, a classic Russian seafood soup, and pancakes with quail – all accompanied by Russian wine.

Dmitry Peskov, the presidential spokesperson, said there will be a “detailed explanation” of Moscow’s actions in Ukraine over dinner. On Tuesday, the main day of the visit, Russian and Chinese representatives will meet.

The meeting comes only days after the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest order for Russian President Vladimir Putin on war crimes charges.

This means that Mr. Putin might be detained in 123 nations, however, neither China nor Russia is on that list.

Mr. Blinken believes China feels “no responsibility to hold the Kremlin accountable” for atrocities in Ukraine by traveling to Moscow so soon after the ICC’s announcement.

Western officials have been striving to isolate Russia since last February, following its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Yet, they have been unable to reach a worldwide agreement, with China, India, and numerous African countries refusing to denounce Mr. Putin.

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