Western media report that Chinese diplomats are signaling their readiness to send Chinese troops to a peacekeeping contingent in Ukraine if an agreement is reached to end hostilities between Russia and Ukraine. The Chinese side emphasizes that participation would only be possible under a mandate granted by the UN Security Council.
At first glance, this appears to be China's intention to help end the Russia-Ukraine war and guarantee regional security. However, analysts warn that such a UN peacekeeping format allows Russia to dictate the terms of peace through its veto power in the Security Council.
The Chinese initiative echoes proposals made by the Russian delegation in Istanbul in 2022, where Russia and China were named as security guarantors under a UN mandate. This approach would exclude Western peacekeepers, and deliberations over a UN mandate could last for months, giving Russia time to continue military operations.
China's position carries little risk for Beijing but allows it to deflect accusations of supporting Russia, which persist due to China's purchase of Russian oil, supply of military components, and ongoing political backing for Moscow. Recent statements from Chinese officials clearly affirm that Beijing will not allow Russia to lose the war.
China coordinates its actions with Russia, using security guarantees as a tool to undermine Western diplomatic initiatives and complicate the US position in the region, particularly Washington's attempts to separate Moscow and Beijing.
The presence of Chinese peacekeepers in Ukraine under a UN mandate could have wide-ranging implications for Kyiv–Beijing relations and increase China's regional influence. However, a ceasefire is a prerequisite, and at present, China's diplomatic efforts are seen as prolonging the conflict, creating favorable conditions for Moscow, and weakening the West.
Analysts emphasize that the war weakens not only Ukraine but also Russia, serving Beijing's interests. The Russia-Ukraine conflict is used by China to bolster its global and regional influence.
