By Matthew Mai
Months back, China released a position paper on the Russo-Ukrainian War that, although short on details, called for a “comprehensive ceasefire,” to “help parties to the conflict open the door to a political settlement as soon as possible,” and opposed the threat or use of nuclear weapons. However, the Biden administration also warned that China is considering sending artillery and drones to backfill Russian supplies. With the heightened possibility of Chinese involvement in the conflict, the war has entered a critical new phase and evidence is accumulating that Western policymakers understand the stakes for Ukraine and wish to avoid a debilitating forever war.
China’s position paper merely states what analysts have gleaned from official statements since the beginning of the conflict. But the prospect of Beijing becoming a participant in the war—either as a diplomatic facilitator or arms provider—reinforces the fact that China does not want its closest strategic partner to be weakened beyond recognition. With its vast industrial base, the potential battlefield implications of Chinese involvement in Ukraine are significant.
This piece was originally published in 19FortyFive on May 31, 2023. Read more HERE.