Perspective from China on Ukraine Crisis

By Dr. Yalin Xin

As the scale of war in Ukraine continues to escalate, reports of casualties and humanitarian disasters are causing global concerns. What is China’s response to the crisis so far? Could China play a constructive role in a ceasefire?  

China’s stand on the sovereignty of nations 

In a call with Russian leader Putin the day after Russia invaded Ukraine, China’s President Xi Jinping said he supported solving the Ukraine crisis through talks, “the “situation in eastern Ukraine has undergone rapid changes … [and] China supports Russia and Ukraine to resolve the issue through negotiation”. Xi noted that “It is important to reject Cold War mentality, take seriously and respect the reasonable security concerns of all countries and reach a balanced, effective and sustainable European security mechanism through negotiation… China has long held the basic position of respecting all countries’ sovereignty and territorial integrity and abiding by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. China is prepared to work with other members of the international community to promote common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, and to resolutely safeguard the UN-centered international system and the international order underpinned by international law” (fmprc.gov.cn; cf. aljazeera.com).  

China’s potential role as a mediator 

Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a phone conversation with his Ukrainian counterpart, Dmytro Kuleba, on March 2, in which Ukraine sought China’s mediation in achieving a ceasefire. Wang Yi said that “China laments the outbreak of the conflict between Ukraine and Russia and is extremely concerned with the harm to civilians…China always upholds respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries,” and called on Ukraine and Russia to “find a solution to the issue through negotiations.” China supports “all constructive international effort conducive to political settlement” (ecns.cn; cf. fortune.com; theguardian.com)  

Wang told Kuleba the urgent task was to “ease the situation to prevent the conflict from escalating or even getting out of control, especially to prevent harm to civilians, and to ensure the safe and timely access of humanitarian aid. He also advised that Ukraine also “assume corresponding international responsibilities” (ecns.cn).  

Recognizing the multifaceted nature of the conflicts 

According to CCG (Center for China and Globalization) publication, Director Dr. Huiyao Wang, in his interview with reporters, highlighted the many factors rooted in the history and political and economic development of the region are in play in the current crisis. He mentioned how in recent years    “China has been busy participating in and establishing regional economic cooperation mechanisms, such as the Belt and Road Initiative, RCEP, China-Africa Cooperation Mechanism, and applying to join CPTPP, DEPA, etc., while the United States and other Western countries are busy with NATO's eastward expansion, the establishment of the Oaks Security Alliance, the Indo-Pacific Security Alliance and etc” (ccg.org.cn). Dr. Wang alluded that China could potentially play a mediating role in the conflict, as well as global development and peace, but the deteriorating relationship between China and the US seems to stand in the way. He proposed the need to revisit the “strategic wisdom” of former president Nixon and Secretary of State Henry Kissinger in their effort in normalizing U.S.-China relations 50 years ago.  

Roots of problems often lie deep in the historical, cultural, sociopolitical systems of the region, and thus constructive approach to address the pervasive problem and restore lasting peace calls for attention to all related spheres. These are obvious different perspectives offered here from political and academic leaders in China, and they should be heeded by global leaders in their effort to resolve the problem. It is imperative that ceasefire is achieved soon for the sake of the people caught in the crisis. For this goal, diversified and multifaceted platforms that may lead to bringing both sides to the table should be facilitated and influence toward it should be engaged.  

Dr. Yalin Xin, is our Associate Professor of Intercultural Studies and Director of China Studies Institute here at WCIU. He lives in Texas with his wife and child.

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