China calls for Ukraine peace deal ahead of talks in Washington
18 August 18:30
On the eve of important talks in Washington, where US President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders will meet, China has issued an official statement calling on the parties to reach a peace agreement with Russia as soon as possible. Barron’s writes about this, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports.
Statement of the Chinese Foreign Ministry:
- Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said that Beijing supports all efforts aimed at a peaceful resolution of the crisis.
- China hopes that all parties and stakeholders will take part in the negotiations and reach a fair, lasting and acceptable agreement.
- The Chinese authorities also noted that they are pleased to see improved relations between the United States and Russia, which, in their view, contributes to a political settlement of the situation in Ukraine.
China’s role in resolving the war in Ukraine is complex, controversial, and strategically cautious.
Strategic position: neutrality with a pro-Russian bias
- China officially declares neutrality, calls for peace and respect for territorial integrity.
- At the same time, Beijing has not condemned Russia’s invasion, abstains from voting on anti-Russian resolutions in the UN, and accuses NATO and the US of provoking the conflict.
Diplomatic initiatives: “Friends of Peace” and the Global South Consensus
- China, together with Brazil, initiated the Friends of Peace group, which promotes the idea of a ceasefire and peace talks.
- In August 2025, the Chinese Foreign Ministry stated that the settlement process had reached a “decisive moment” and that Russia and Ukraine had already begun negotiations.
Support for Russia: economic, but not military
- China has increased trade with Russia, especially in the energy sector, becoming a key market for Russian oil and gas.
- Beijing avoids providing lethal weapons to avoid Western sanctions, but provides indirect support through dual-use goods and diplomatic rhetoric.
Geopolitical calculations
- For China, the war in Ukraine is a tool to counteract the West, reducing the influence of the United States and NATO in the world.
- Beijing seeks to maintain its alliance with Russia, while not losing access to the global economy, which is critical for its development.
China is not a neutral mediator in the classical sense. Its role is to balance between supporting Russia, maintaining its image as a peacemaker, and protecting its own interests. Beijing seeks to be a player that shapes the new world order, but does not take responsibility for ending the war.
