China expressed its support for U.S. President Donald Trump's efforts to negotiate a peace deal with Russia regarding the conflict in Ukraine at a G20 meeting in South Africa on Thursday. Meanwhile, allies of the U.S. rallied behind Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy.
Early in his presidency, Trump shifted his stance on the conflict, reaching out to Russian President Vladimir Putin and sidelining Ukraine in talks between U.S. and Russian officials. This move drew criticism from U.S. allies like Australia, Germany, and the United Kingdom who voiced support for Zelenskiy.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated during the G20 gathering in Johannesburg that, "China supports all efforts conducive to peace (in Ukraine), including the recent consensus reached between the United States and Russia." He also expressed China's willingness to contribute constructively to resolving the crisis.
Regarding China's role in the peace talks, analyst Cui Hongjian highlighted China's interest in avoiding any negative impact on its interests. He emphasized the importance of including all stakeholders in the negotiations, which not only involves Ukraine and Europe but also China and other Global South nations.
Amid discussions on the potential involvement of China in the peace process, experts noted a cautious approach from Beijing given uncertainties around Trump's demands and the evolving U.S.-Russia dynamics. However, China-Russia relations were described as advancing by Zhao Souhu, another analyst.
Looking ahead, some experts speculated that China's interest in participating in Ukraine's reconstruction could increase its engagement in European security affairs, influencing its strategic considerations.
The recent U.S.-Russia talks signaled progress in resolving the conflict in Ukraine, although Russia reiterated its opposition to Ukraine joining NATO.