China and Brazil convened a meeting at the UN General Assembly to advance peace efforts between Russia and Ukraine, aiming for a collaborative international peace conference. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi called for fair discussions on all proposals while opposing sanctions related to the crisis. The meeting involved various countries yet excluded the US and EU, with Ukrainian President Zelensky criticizing the approach as insufficient to compel Russia toward peace.
On the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, China and Brazil convened a meeting with the objective of mediating peace between Russia and Ukraine. This initiative, characterized by ambitious goals yet lacking in detailed proposals, saw Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi express a strong desire for a comprehensive peace conference to be convened by the international community. He emphasized the importance of engaging in a ‘fair discussion’ regarding all peace proposals and highlighted the need to reject the use of the ongoing crisis as a pretext for imposing sanctions, seemingly directed at the United States. “We want to be partners to Russia and Ukraine as they work towards peace,” stated Minister Wang, underscoring the necessity to prevent a return to Cold War dynamics. The discussions included representatives from several nations, such as Algeria, Bolivia, Colombia, Egypt, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Mexico, South Africa, Turkey, and Zambia. Notably absent were participants from the United States and the European Union, although France, Hungary, and Switzerland sent observers. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has publicly criticized the peace proposals put forth by Brazil and China, asserting, “Russia can only be forced into peace, and that is exactly what’s needed.”
The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine has sparked numerous diplomatic efforts aimed at establishing a framework for peace. China and Brazil have positioned themselves as potential mediators, proposing a collaborative approach that includes engagement from various nations. The absence of the United States and the European Union in these discussions raises questions about the inclusiveness and potential impact of the peace initiative. The comments from both leaders reflect a growing concern about the escalation of tensions reminiscent of Cold War dynamics.
The meeting between China and Brazil at the UN General Assembly signifies their commitment to mediating peace in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. While ambitious in scope, the initiative is challenged by the lack of participation from major Western powers and divergent views on the path to peace, as highlighted by President Zelensky’s remarks. The effectiveness of this diplomatic effort remains to be seen as the international community grapples with the complexities of the situation.
Original Source: www.scmp.com
