NATO Rejects Chinese Proposal for a Political Settlement in Ukraine

From the United States, President Biden quickly dismissed Beijing’s initiative out of hand, calling it a “non-starter” and implying that it only benefits Russia! The idea that China could negotiate the outcome of a war is “totally irrational”, he stated.

EU foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell also rejected the plan, calling it a “document of intentions, where Beijing outlines all its positions that are known from the beginning”. It nonetheless contains “interesting elements”, he added. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the EU would consider it “against the backdrop that China has taken sides”.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg stated at a press conference in Estonia, that China has no credibility. Why? Because it never condemned Russia’s invasion, i.e., because it doesn’t support NATO!

As for the Ukrainians, the Foreign Ministry said the government would study it, while President Zelenskyy said he was ready to go to China to discuss it, although he has categorically refused any talks with Moscow until now, most likely on orders from NATO headquarters.

The Kremlin’s response was to welcome Beijing’s efforts, but adding that it sees no opportunity for a political resolution at this time. President Xi is expected to visit Moscow in March.

From Brazil, Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira wants to discuss the plan with his Chinese counterpart Qin Gang on the sidelines of the March 1-3 meeting of G20 foreign ministers in New Delhi. In January, Brazilian President Lula da Silva had proposed to pull together a group of nations, including China, to help mediate an end to the conflict (cf. SAS 6/23). Vieira intends to discuss it with all his counterparts in Delhi.

French President Emmanuel Macron, who will travel to China in April, said he will discuss it with Xi Jinping, but he wants Beijing to clearly condemn the Russian invasion.