Moscow ally ready to send troops to assist…Ukraine

This is information revealed by the German newspaper Welt Am Sonntag: China is expressing its interest in the "coalition of volunteers" created by the West.

The coalition, which aims to ensure the maintenance of peace in Ukraine, has managed to spark Chinese interest. According to Welt Am Sonntag, some Chinese diplomats have even sought contacts with the European Union in order to potentially join it. Currently, Beijing is said to be sounding out Brussels to see if their participation in the "coalition of volunteers" would be feasible from the European perspective.

According to The Economist, "Chinese diplomacy would be waiting for the situation to calm down before officially positioning itself" on possible integration into this peacekeeping force. On 7 March, Reppublica reported that Wang Yi, the Chinese Foreign Minister, had assured that his country was ready “to play a constructive role in the final resolution of the crisis and the achievement of a lasting peace".

Revamping its image

While Kyiv remains wary regarding the deployment of troops by a Moscow ally on its soil, China sees an opportunity to improve its image. As highlighted by the media L’Indépendant, as the outlines of a new world order seem to be forming with Trump's return to power, Beijing wishes to be perceived as "a stabilising force", "a responsible and reliable power that, amid major changes, "brings certainty to an uncertain world", according to statements made by Wang Yi.

China, if a ceasefire agreement is concluded, could seize this opportunity to encourage its companies to seek profits in the reconstruction of Ukraine.

European diplomats added that "the inclusion of China in a 'coalition of volunteers' could potentially increase Russia's acceptance of peacekeeping troops in Ukraine", while negotiations for a lasting ceasefire are underway.

(MH with Manon Pierre - Source: L’Indépendant - Illustration: ©Unsplash)