China’s 'Position on the Political Settlement of the Ukraine Crisis' peace plan is a shift to a proactive stance on the conflict. It creates a new dimension in Chinese-Russian interaction, enabling Moscow to use Beijing to convey its position to the West and push for a resolution that meets its security concerns.
Washington will view Beijing’s mediating role negatively, but both will pursue dialogue on Ukraine.
Beijing risks losing face internationally if nothing comes of its mediation; taking this risk suggests it genuinely wants the war to end.
The Ukraine plan contrasts with China's recent mediation between Riyadh and Tehran, where talks were discreet and China neutral.
Russia will want tangible gains on the battlefield in the coming months before it yields to any pressure to negotiate.
