Chinese envoy Li Hui says Beijing’s friendship with both Russia and Ukraine can help with mediation between the two countries. To have its peacemaking ambitions taken seriously, however, China should work closely with the US and other Nato members, as well as exert more pressure on Russia.
Despite recent improvements in relations with the US, China is increasingly focused on building relations with Europe as it seeks more global partners. Europe’s priority in China’s eyes is clear, but swaying EU members towards Beijing will be hard given a long-standing US alliance and European trade concerns.