China's wisdom for Ukraine crisis dependent on cooperation from all sides

Editor's note: He Zhigao, a special commentator on current affairs for CGTN, is an associate professor at the Institute of European Studies, and a research fellow of the National Institute for Global Strategy of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. The article reflects the author's opinions, and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

The Russia-Ukraine crisis has entered its third year, representing an enormous shock to international society. The facade of Post-Cold War peace in Europe has shattered, with the European security architecture reconstructing in response.

However, Europeans are not ready for ending the war and constructing a new order. Especially, considering that the United States adds more zero-sum incentives to Europe on the Russia-Ukraine crisis, Europe is caught in a bind.

The European economy has lost momentum, faces higher costs of living, weaker external demand, higher inflation and monetary tightening. As the engine of the EU economy, Germany's GDP shrank by 0.3 percent in 2023, with high risk of another year of recession. The conflicts in Eastern Europe and the Middle East compound energy markets. Moreover, the world may fall into bloc politics, leading to the emergence of a new Cold War, which will pose a threat to world peace and global development.

Under these circumstances, ending the conflicts with peaceful and diplomatic means is urgent and necessary. China never gives up pursuing peace and never stops promoting talks. Li Hui, special representative of the Chinese government on Eurasian affairs, has just concluded the second round of shuttle mediation between Russia, Ukraine and other European countries such as Poland and France, during which he held talks with relevant parties on the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis, and exchanged views in depth. The first round happened in May 2023, where Li also traveled to multiple countries to mediate among different parties, which demonstrates China's commitment to promoting peace talks.

In February 2023, China put forward a 12-point proposal for a political settlement of the Ukraine crisis under the principle of the Global Security Initiative proposed by China in 2022. Given that the aid America and its European allies have given Ukraine has failed to resolve the crisis on the battlefield for two years, some expect China to play a greater role in ending the war, which needs constructive efforts from all parties.

China is a responsible major country, Russia's neighbor and key partner, and a strategic partner of Ukraine. Moreover, China is a comprehensive strategic partner of the EU and many European countries. Therefore, China must communicate with Russia, Ukraine, European counterparts and even other countries, with a neutral stance. 

Any plan to end the war requires both Russia and Ukraine's participation, with political and diplomatic means. Russia and Ukraine are the main participants in the crisis, both of which need to find a consensus away from the battlefield. Outsiders should commit to building a consensus for ending the conflict and paving the way for peace talks.

Besides China's efforts, the Normandy Format, a forum established by Russia, Ukraine, Germany and France in 2014, also serves as a platform for resolving differences and even the conflict. It echoes China's proposal, which strongly supports dialogue and negotiation, and regards it as the only viable solution to the Ukraine crisis.

European countries are also responsible for the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis. As a Chinese saying goes, "When the city gate catches fire, the fish in the moat will also suffer." China stressed the importance of European strategic autonomy because it could prevent an escalation of the Ukraine crisis, and manage the spillovers of the crisis.

Moreover, European autonomy is key to building a balanced and sustainable security structure in Europe. European autonomy is also a determinant factor for countering risks of bloc confrontation and a real solution for European security. France and Germany could play an important role, but the coordination between Western Europe and Eastern Europe also cultivates the autonomy of European strategy in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Last but not least, shared norms are the common ground for all. After the war broke out, China has consistently opposed the use of nuclear weapons, reaffirming the principle that "a nuclear war cannot be won and must never be fought."

Meanwhile, China urges for a world economic system that operates smoothly, guarantees stable industrial supply chains, and is devoid of unilateral sanctions. The Ukraine crisis has triggered a shock to the global economy, especially to energy and food markets, with inflationary pressures burdening the citizens of Europe and the whole world.

Now, the most important of shared norms is promoting peace talks and mitigating the spillovers of the crisis. China's wisdom and approach relies on the international community's efforts to create conditions and platforms for talks and negotiation.

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