China Proposes Follow-Up Summit Between Trump and Putin After Alaska Meeting

In the wake of the upcoming meeting between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin in Alaska, China is positioning itself as a potential mediator for future discussions aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Henry Huiyao Wang, the head of the Center for China and Globalization, recently suggested that a summit involving only Trump and Putin may not be sufficient to foster peace. He advocates for a broader dialogue that would include representatives from Ukraine, the United Nations, and the European Union, alongside the two leaders.

Wang asserts that the establishment of a formal framework for negotiations involving seven parties--comprising the five permanent members of the UN Security Council (the United States, Russia, China, France, and the United Kingdom), Ukraine, and EU representatives--is essential for progress. He emphasizes that China holds both the diplomatic standing and economic influence necessary to facilitate such discussions.

China's economic ties to both Russia and Ukraine position it uniquely in this context, with Wang highlighting that China is a primary trading partner for both nations. However, the scale of trade between China and Russia vastly outstrips that with Ukraine, raising questions about the impartiality of China's proposed involvement. Critics argue that China's support for Russia, particularly in the context of military supply chains, complicates its role as a neutral arbiter.

The relationship between Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin is well-documented, with the two leaders meeting frequently over the years, while Xi has yet to engage in direct talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Wang proposes a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict, suggesting that China could oversee the implementation of such an agreement, working alongside European nations and other BRICS members, which include countries like India that have significant economic ties with Russia.

Despite Wang's calls for a peacekeeping mission involving Chinese troops, many experts in the West view this idea as unrealistic. The absence of discussions around security guarantees for Ukraine, or the possibility of NATO membership, reflects China's consistent stance, which has often blamed NATO for the escalation of tensions in the region.

Furthermore, Wang does not advocate for the withdrawal of Russian forces from occupied Ukrainian territories, aligning with China's official position on the matter. He also mentions the potential for BRICS countries to contribute to Ukraine's reconstruction efforts post-conflict, citing their technical expertise and financial resources. However, the notion that China would take a leading role in such initiatives requires careful scrutiny, given the complexities of international relations and existing geopolitical dynamics.