Xi Jinping Hints at Mediation Diplomacy to Zelensky... China Says "Show Great Power Responsibility"

Chinese President Xi Jinping hinted at engaging in mediation diplomacy by dispatching a special representative during a phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. This call marked the first direct communication between the two sides since the outbreak of the Ukraine war in February last year.

On the 26th, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that in the afternoon, President Xi exchanged views with President Zelensky on China-Ukraine relations and the Ukraine "situation" during their phone call. President Xi emphasized, "The Ukraine situation is having a significant impact on the international landscape and is evolving in a complex direction," adding, "China has always been on the side of peace." He stressed that the Chinese government would send a special representative for Eurasian affairs to Ukraine and other relevant parties to communicate with each side for a political resolution. This call with President Zelensky came about a month after Xi held a face-to-face summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in March, signaling his intention to engage in mediation diplomacy.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

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Furthermore, China’s core stance is to encourage negotiations and call for dialogue, emphasizing that "dialogue and negotiation are the only viable way out." President Xi also stated, "China did not create the Ukraine crisis and is not a party to the crisis," but as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council and a responsible major power, "China will neither stand idly by nor pour oil on the fire, nor will it exploit the situation for its own interests."

He also addressed the nuclear issue, saying, "There are no winners in a nuclear war," and urged that "all parties remain calm and restrained, act in the interests of themselves and humanity, and jointly manage the crisis."

After the call, President Zelensky did not disclose specific details but wrote on his social media, "I had a long and meaningful conversation with President Xi," adding, "I believe that the appointment of the Ukrainian ambassador to China, as well as this call, will become a strong driving force for the development of bilateral relations." According to the Ukrainian presidential office, immediately after the call, President Zelensky appointed former Minister of Strategic Industries Pavlo Riabikin as the new ambassador to China.

Meanwhile, Chinese sources stated in explanatory materials related to the call that President Xi spoke with President Zelensky "at the invitation of the latter (Yingyue·應約)." The official English materials also described the call as occurring "at the invitation of the latter."

Chinese local media praised the call as demonstrating "the responsibility of a great power" and "Eastern wisdom." On the day of the call, the state-run Global Times editorial stated, "China offers a different path full of wisdom, not the duel approach advocated by the United States and the West." It added, "China’s consistent foresight and pragmatic attitude toward the Ukraine crisis are increasingly resonating worldwide."

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