The timing of the meeting, however, is interesting, Keller says. This week marks one year since the terrible war broke out in Ukraine. One might therefore ask who is interested in seeing them at this precise moment,’ explains the former ambassador of Russia, China and Ukraine.
Possible peace talks
According to Keller, this meeting shows that Putin wants to make it clear that he still has friends. “But the meeting may also show that the Chinese might think it’s time for peace talks,” suspects the former ambassador. “Wang Yi is not only a diplomat, but the most important person in China after President Xi Jinping.”
The talk between Wang Yi and Putin could lead to possible peace talks. But according to Keller, the time when the parties involved will actually sit around the table is still a long way off. “It is important that Ukraine also supports this and at the moment it is still busy defending its country,” Keller explains. “If the peace talks finally get underway, that’s a chef’s deal.”
Increase pressure
Yet there is a difference in China’s attitude compared to a year ago. So the country was silent when it came to the war in Ukraine. Keller sees that countries want to build a relationship with each other in freedom, without too much interference from other countries. ‘It is often said in the West that China should step up the pressure on Russia. I think it is logical that they want to decide for themselves,’ says the former ambassador.
“It’s the story of the mouse and the elephant.”
Trade between the two countries has increased, but according to Keller this can be logically explained because Russia’s trade with many other countries has declined since the outbreak of war. “Russia and China are two different entities in this respect, because the Chinese economy is six times bigger than the Russian one. China’s economy is also growing much faster, so it’s a story of rats and elephants,’ says Keller.