In a significant development for international diplomacy, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping engaged in a crucial phone conversation on Monday. The discussion primarily centered around strengthening bilateral relations and addressing the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
On the same day, the United Nations Security Council approved a U.S.-drafted resolution demanding an immediate cessation of hostilities and advocating for a lasting peace between Russia and Ukraine. The resolution garnered support from 10 members, including the United States, China, and Russia, highlighting the global community's vested interest in resolving the conflict.
During their conversation, President Putin briefed President Xi on the latest developments from recent Russian-American interactions and reiterated Moscow's unwavering stance on the Ukrainian crisis. Putin emphasized Russia's commitment to addressing the root causes of the conflict to achieve a sustainable and long-term peaceful resolution.
President Xi responded by recalling China's established principles for conflict resolution, introduced shortly after the escalation in 2022. These principles outline four key actions necessary to address the crisis effectively. China has maintained a consistent position favoring peaceful resolution, exemplified by its initiative in September 2023 alongside Brazil and other Global South nations to form the Group of Friends for Peace on the Ukraine crisis. Additionally, in May 2023, China proposed a comprehensive 12-point plan detailing its position and proposals for resolving the conflict.
Despite China's efforts, Western skepticism persists regarding Beijing's peace initiatives. Critics in the West accuse China of intending to prolong the war for economic advantages. Contrary to these claims, the primary beneficiary of the ongoing conflict appears to be the United States, which continues to gain strategically while navigating its relationships with both Kyiv and Moscow to secure favorable outcomes.
In recent years, influenced by the United States, the European Union has strained its relations with Russia to unprecedented levels. The United States has engaged in direct negotiations with Russia, seemingly sidelining European interests and Ukraine's position. This approach has led some European politicians to propose measures aimed at counterbalancing U.S. influence, a move unlikely to be well-received by the Trump administration. Tensions may further escalate if President Donald Trump does not achieve his desired objectives with European counterparts.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
