Through negotiations with Putin and Zelensky, the Chinese leader expects to play a more active role in resolving the military conflict in Ukraine.
Chinese President Xi Jinping plans to hold the first virtual meeting since the beginning of a full-scale war with Russia with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. This is reported by The Wall Street Journal, citing its own sources.
According to the magazine, the conversation is expected to be virtual and likely to take place after Xi Jinping visits Moscow next week to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The meeting with Putin and Zelensky’s conversation may reflect Beijing’s desire to play a more active role in mediating an end to the war in Ukraine, WSJ sources say.
A direct conversation with Zelensky, if it takes place, would be an important step in China’s efforts to play the role of peacemaker, which have so far been viewed with skepticism by Europe. It will also bolster Beijing’s reputation as a global powerhouse after facilitating a surprise diplomatic breakthrough between Saudi Arabia and Iran last week, the magazine reported.
The WSJ interlocutors also said that as part of his trip, the head of China is considering visiting other European countries, but his full route has not yet been officially approved.
Back in late February, The Wall Street Journal specified that the Chinese leader plans to visit Moscow in the coming months.
Today, March 13, Reuters reported that Xi Jinping’s visit to Moscow could take place as early as next week.
Earlier, at the end of February, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry reported that they would carefully study Beijing’s peace plan, but the peace formula presented by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky would remain a priority.
