Chinese President Xi Jinping has been invited by Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelensky to visit his country. Xi therefore seems to have an important role in the war, because he had previously indicated that he wanted to mediate between Russia and Ukraine. “But the question is whether this will take off,” says Laurien Crump, an international relations researcher at Utrecht University.
It’s a tempting offer for Xi, Crump explains. «He clearly presents Himself as a peacemaker and mediator of this war. I do not exclude that he will accept if an official invitation arrives ». Zelensky made the offer to Xi in an interview with the AP news agency.
“What you see is that the water in Zelenksi comes to your lips. He is afraid that if the Ukrainians don’t win in the city of Bachmut, some Ukrainians will want to seek a compromise.’ Because of this, Zelensky desperately needs the Chinese president to further isolate Russia, Crump explains. “This gives Xi more leeway. It can therefore play a role in getting Putin and Zelensky around the table, or charting a path towards it.’
Crump thinks Putin and Xi outwardly appear to be best friends than they actually are. ‘Zelensky sees an opportunity there. He might also see some openings in China’s peace plan that are a reason to sit down at the table, or at least to think about the possibilities.’
United States of America
Americans will not be thrilled that Xi can assume this role of mediator. “But Zelensky also knows there will be new US elections in 2024 and there could only be one other president besides Joe Biden.” Then the Ukrainian president bets on several horses. “He knows that intensive Western support cannot be taken for granted in the long run.” If Xi refuses the invitation, Zelensky can at least say he tried. “It puts Xi ahead of the block,” Crump said.
Source: BNR
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