Li Hui, a Special Representative of the Chinese Government on Eurasian Affairs, will embark on an official visit to Global South countries. The primary focus of discussions will be Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine, announced Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning.
“China has always firmly supported a political resolution to the crisis [as China refers to Russia’s war against Ukraine – ed.]. … In this context, China is sending Li Hui to Brazil, South Africa, and Indonesia. Starting from July 28, the official will conduct the fourth round of shuttle diplomacy aimed at resolving the Ukraine crisis. The visit aims to discuss the current situation with key representatives of the Global South, exchange views on peace negotiations, explore ways to de-escalate, and create conditions for resuming dialogue,” said Mao Ning.
Li Hui’s first tour of Global South countries to present China’s “peace initiatives” regarding Ukraine took place in May this year. From May 3 to 9, Li visited Türkiye, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, holding meetings with deputy foreign ministers or national security advisors from these countries. Before and after his trip, he also spoke by phone with representatives from the governments of Brazil, South Africa, Indonesia, and Kazakhstan.
Following negotiations on May 23, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Chief Advisor to the President of the Federal Republic of Brazil, Celso Amorim, agreed on a plan to end the Russian-Ukrainian war. This plan includes six points calling for “de-escalation,” avoiding “fanning the flames,” and emphasizes negotiations as the “only viable solution to the crisis.” The plan does not include Ukraine’s main demand for the withdrawal of Russian troops from its territory.
“The consensus can be seen as a representative of the Global South, or developing countries’ road map for a way out of the prolonged conflict. China and Brazil, two major countries of the Global South, are coordinating to promote a Global South view on the issue and advocate for a more balanced and fairer global order,” said Li Haidong, a professor at the China Foreign Affairs University, to Global Times.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba made an official visit to China from July 23 to 25. “We must avoid competition between peace plans. It is crucial that Kyiv and Beijing engage in direct dialogue and exchange positions,” said Kuleba before the talks. Following the talks, President Zelenskyy stated that there is a clear signal that China supports Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.
Out of the four meetings on the Peace Formula held in 2023-2024 leading up to the Peace Summit, China participated in only one. In his meeting with his Chinese counterpart, Kuleba sent a signal to Beijing that Ukraine would like to see China at the second Peace Summit.
Cover: Ng Han Guan | Credit: AP
