China's Attendance At Ukraine Peace Talks In Saudi Arabia 'Certainly Bad News' For Russia, Says Expert: Xi Jinping 'Wants To Be Seen As A Responsible Stakeholder'

Xi Jinping‘s officials attended peace talks in Saudi Arabia concerning the Ukraine conflict hinting at a potential divergence from its close ally, Russia.

What Happened: China’s presence at the peace talks in Saudi Arabia, where global delegations, including Ukraine, deliberated on ending the ongoing conflict, was seen as a significant move by experts, Business Insider reported.

Moscow abstained from the summit, dismissing it as “doomed to fail.”

Observers view China’s attendance as a significant win for Ukraine.

Simon Miles, an assistant professor at Duke University, stated that China’s participation is unfavorable news for Russian President Vladimir Putin, further isolating Russia. “Chinese attendance in Saudi is certainly bad news for Putin, who has isolated Russia even further from its dwindling list of friends.”

Despite this, China’s top diplomat Wang Yi reassured Russia of their continued alliance, emphasizing their role as “reliable, good friends and partners.”

See Also: Summers Says Saudi Arabia’s Shift to Russia and China Is a Huge Challenge for the U.S.

Why It Matters: The recent diplomatic moves highlight the intricate dynamics of international relations. While China and Russia have historically maintained a strong alliance, China’s actions suggest a potential recalibration of its stance.

This shift is particularly notable given China’s reluctance to fully support Russia’s military requests and refusal to approve a gas pipeline from Siberia, which would have bolstered the Russian economy. However, the mutual benefits derived from their relationship, especially in countering Western influence, ensure that their alliance remains intact, Miles told the publication.

“So Xi wants to be seen as a responsible stakeholder — even as he rattles his saber towards Taiwan,” Miles said.

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