China Places Economy over Ukraine Peace Talks in Face of Tensions with Russia

China has been interested in being a peacemaker for the past three years in the conflict in Ukraine, making proposals for peace and negotiating with numerous nations. Today, however, China’s focus has shifted more toward its economy and negotiating its path with the U.S. to avoid a trade war.

Chinese President Xi Jinping did not receive recent peace talks between Russian and U.S. officials, but instead chose to meet with Chinese tech tycoons. China’s top diplomat, Wang Yi, again reminded that China is reliant on Russia for cheap energy, and it’s not a feasible or secure option to stop purchasing Russian gas. This is a gesture made by China so as not to pressure Russia, although it is a stakeholder in the war globally.

China has also been preparing for trade policy negotiations with U.S. President Donald Trump, with Xi directing officials to react to Trump’s threats and tariffs. China’s foreign ministry has in the meantime softened rhetoric in a bid to keep negotiating with the U.S.

While China played it neutral regarding Ukraine, a new tendency has been to have more dealings with European diplomats too. However, there have not been any key concessions on the part of China, particularly with respect to trade or relations with Russia. Chinese support for Russia, especially through its energy buying, has upset European diplomats, but it would seem that China is prioritizing economic stability above involvement in the Ukrainian conflict on a larger scale.