China Denies Pressure Tactics Ahead of Ukraine Peace Summit
China has firmly denied allegations of pressuring countries not to participate in the upcoming Peace Summit on Ukraine, scheduled for June 15-16 in Switzerland. Responding to accusations made by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated on Monday that China's position on the matter is both 'open and transparent' and that 'under no circumstances do we put pressure on other countries.'
Zelensky had previously urged greater participation in the Ukraine Peace Summit during an address at a security forum in Singapore on Sunday. The Ukrainian President accused China of working to prevent international involvement in the summit, noting a lack of confirmation from some world leaders without naming specific countries. Zelensky emphasized the importance of the summit for establishing peace and expressed disappointment at the less-than-expected participation.
China's Stance on the Peace Summit
Speaking two days before Mao Ning's statements, Beijing pointed out that its participation in the summit would be challenging without the inclusion of Russia. This viewpoint was echoed by Moscow. The Chinese Foreign Ministry reinforced that the peace summit should not become a platform for further geopolitical confrontations. Mao Ning reiterated, 'China sincerely hopes that this peace conference will not become a platform to create confrontation between camps. Our fair and equitable position on this conference is not directed against any party.'
The Chinese stance brings into focus its consistent neutrality in the Ukraine conflict. While China has not condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine, it has maintained that any peace process should respect territorial integrity and consider all parties' security concerns. Mao Ning stressed, 'Not participating in the conference does not mean that we do not support peace. The most important thing is concrete action.'
Divergent Views on Peace and Participation
The participation of more than a hundred countries and organizations has been confirmed for the peace summit, but China's reservations highlight a deeper international divide. Zelensky continued to call for wider involvement during his recent visits to Singapore and Manila. In the Philippines, Zelensky met with President Ferdinand Marcos, who expressed potential support and discussed sending Filipino mental health specialists to assist Ukrainian troops.
Despite significant backing for the summit, including assurances of 'unwavering American support,' China's concerns reflect broader geopolitical disagreements on handling the Ukraine conflict. US Defense Minister Lloyd Austin's recent meeting with Zelensky further underscores the international community's divided approach.
- President Zelensky's extended diplomatic efforts include a visit to several European countries in recent days, seeking additional military aid amid Ukraine's ongoing struggle. The United States has notably approved the use of certain American-supplied weapons by Kiev to strike targets on Russian soil, reflecting a nuanced stance on the conflict.
- Pentagon spokesperson General Pat Ryder affirmed the United States' unwavering support for Ukraine. Meanwhile, Beijing's position underscores the necessity for a peace process that includes all key stakeholders, highlighting the complexities and challenges of diplomatic resolutions to international conflicts.