The political scientist assessed China's mediation role in the conflict in Ukraine

The question of a possible strengthening of China's mediation role in the settlement of the Ukrainian conflict remains open. Viktor Pirozhenko, a political scientist and expert at the Intercultural Research Center at Huzhou University, told Izvestia on October 19.

As the political scientist noted, Beijing avoids sole responsibility for diplomatic initiatives, since it considers it impossible to coordinate the interests of all participants in the confrontation through the efforts of one country.

The expert explained that the Chinese authorities are trying to minimize the risks of deterioration of relations with other states and failure of the negotiation process. At the same time, maintaining economic ties with the widest possible range of partners, ensuring access of Chinese products to world markets, remains an important factor.

In addition, Pirozhenko recalled that in the spring of 2023, China presented its own peace plan for Ukraine. According to him, the initiative appeared against the background of threats from the administration of the former US President Joe Biden to impose economic sanctions against Beijing for refusing to join anti-Russian restrictions.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning clarified on October 12 that China supports any initiatives that contribute to the peaceful resolution of the Ukrainian conflict. In her opinion, dialogue and negotiations are the only feasible way to resolve the crisis.

In September, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping had offered Russian President Vladimir Putin assistance in resolving the conflict in Ukraine. Then the Russian leader welcomed these proposals.