China's efforts to portray itself as a peacemaker in some of the world's most complex regions are so far failing to bear fruit.
Chinese Special Representative for Eurasian Affairs, Li Hui, waits for a question from journalists in Beijing, June 2, 2023. Credit: Ng Han Guan via AP Photos
The heavy focus placed on maritime issues in U.S.-China relations can breed a habit of paying less attention to China’s activities across its land borders. Yet Beijing is finding itself bound into complicated situations in a growing list of places across the wide Eurasian landmass. ‘China the peacemaker’ may be the narrative the Chinese leadership wants to promote: But it is unclear whether it has any more answers than those who have gone before to long-running problems in complex regions where it is increasingly becoming one of the most consequential players on the ground.
The most acute conflict is in Ukraine. China’s ‘no limits’ partnership with Moscow made it clear early on in the war which side Beijing had chosen. Even so, Ukraine’s general reticence to condemn Chinese support for Russia has highlighted the important role that Kiev obviously still sees for Beijing in its future. Prior to the Russian invasion, China was Ukraine’s biggest economic and trade partne
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