“China Takes Initiative for Ceasefire in Ukraine with Special Envoy Visit”

China sends special envoy to Ukraine, aims to seize initiative for ceasefire

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G7 leaders gathered in Hiroshima on May 19 with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Charles Michel (Photo: Representative photo/Reuters/Aflo)

(Yoichi Masuzoe: Scholar of International Politics)

The Ukrainian war continues with no prospect of a ceasefire. Against this backdrop, the G7 Summit began on May 19 in Hiroshima. President Biden, who had suggested that he might not visit Japan due to the government debt ceiling issue, also participated.

However, even if the G7 unites against Russia, it will not immediately lead to a ceasefire. In this context, China’s move deserves attention.

Chinese Special Representative for Eurasia Li Hui visits Ukraine

Chinese Special Representative for Eurasian Affairs Li Hui visited Ukraine on the 16th and 17th and met with Foreign Minister Kuleva and President Zelensky.

Explaining the “principle of restoring peace that respects Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity”, Kuleva stressed that he would not accept any proposals involving Ukraine losing its territory or “freezing the dispute”. In short, he repeated the assertion of .

In response, Special Representative Li said, “We need to build mutual trust and create the conditions for a ceasefire and peace negotiations.” The Ukrainian side also said it “welcomes China’s active role in restoring the ceasefire and peace.”

“China has always played a constructive role in alleviating the humanitarian situation in Ukraine in its own way, and will continue to assist Ukraine within its capabilities,” the ministry said in a statement.