The Chinese government announced that they will not be participating in the upcoming Swiss-hosted conference on the Ukraine conflict. This decision comes as a result of certain conditions necessary for such an event not being met, according to Beijing’s statement. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning explained during a media briefing that any summit addressing the fighting between Russia and Ukraine must include three important elements: recognition by both Moscow and Kiev, equal participation of all sides, and a fair discussion of all peace proposals.
These conditions are unlikely to be fulfilled at the gathering scheduled for June 15 and 16 at the Burgenstock Resort near Lucerne. Mao emphasized that China’s absence from the event does not mean they lack support for peace between Russia and Ukraine. She went on to suggest that some countries sending delegations may not be genuinely interested in ending the conflict.
Beijing has been firm in its stance throughout the crisis, refusing to “fan fire or fuel the flames” when it comes to the hostilities in Ukraine. Mao expressed hope that all sides can understand and respect China’s position regarding the conference.
Despite China’s decision not to attend the event, Ukraine’s leader, Vladimir Zelensky, criticized Beijing for its reluctance to participate in the Swiss gathering. He accused China of becoming “an instrument in the hands of [Russian President Vladimir] Putin” as he tries to discredit the conference.
The upcoming summit is expected to address Zelensky’s so-called ‘ten-point peace plan,’ which demands a complete withdrawal of Russian forces from all territories Ukraine considers its own, for Moscow to pay reparations, and for Russian officials to present themselves to war crimes tribunals. Russia has rejected this proposal as “unacceptable,” claiming it disregards the situation on the ground and highlights Kiev’s unwillingness to seek a diplomatic solution to the crisis.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov recently commented that it was “absurd” to hold a summit on settling the conflict without Moscow’s participation. This conference is completely without prospects,” he stressed.
As for the United States, media reports suggest that President Joe Biden will not be attending the Swiss event in person, preferring a Hollywood fundraiser with actor George Clooney instead. Zelensky remarked that it would “not be a particularly strong move” by Biden if he does not participate in the conference aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.