Trump's Surprising Invitation to Xi: A Bold Move Toward Peace in Ukraine
In a surprising diplomatic twist, incoming U.S. President Donald Trump has extended an invitation to China’s President Xi Jinping to attend his inauguration on January 20. This gesture, seemingly innocuous at first, appears to be part of a broader strategy to engage Beijing in peace negotiations concerning the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Following a recent meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Paris, Trump took to social media, articulating his belief that “there should be an immediate ceasefire and negotiations should begin,” adding that “China can help.” This statement now carries more weight given the unprecedented invitation to Xi, suggesting a potential collaborative effort in de-escalating the Ukrainian crisis.
While the likelihood of Xi accepting the invitation remains uncertain, the pivotal question is whether China would genuinely assist Trump in his pursuit of peace in Ukraine. China has maintained a robust economic relationship with Russia throughout the war, opting for a stance of neutrality rather than openly criticizing President Putin. Reports indicate that while Beijing has not provided direct military support to Moscow, it may have allowed the shipment of goods beneficial for Russia’s military efforts.
At face value, Trump’s invitation and China’s recent peace initiative—developed in partnership with Brazil—seem to align closely. Both proposals advocate for a ceasefire along existing frontlines, thereby aiming for a permanent settlement. However, both initiatives also suggest a desire to accept Russia’s demands regarding territorial status quo, which has been a contentious point for Ukraine and its allies.
Kyiv, alongside its western partners, remains skeptical of this approach. Prior to Trump’s election, their resistance to Russia’s terms was largely sustainable, owing to significant military aid from the West that prevented a battlefield defeat. The situation, however, may be shifting, as many Ukrainians are beginning to favor a negotiated peace due to the mounting human and economic costs of continued conflict.
Despite these changes, Ukraine’s leadership, particularly Zelensky, remains wary of China’s role. Historically, Kyiv has approached China’s international policies with caution, especially concerning initiatives like the Belt and Road. Zelensky has characterized the China-Brazil peace proposal as “destructive” and has accused both nations of being “pro-Russian.” This skepticism towards China complicates any potential collaboration on peace negotiations.
Even if shifts occur in Kyiv’s position, it’s debatable whether a Trump-mediated peace deal would cater to Beijing’s interests. For Xi, the priority remains enhancing China’s stature as a global power. A swift resolution in Ukraine could provoke renewed U.S. scrutiny over the ongoing trade conflict, something China would likely wish to avoid.
Amidst these geopolitical maneuverings, experts suggest that the war in Ukraine has inadvertently served China’s strategic interests by straining Western alliances and diverting focus from the Indo-Pacific region, where China and the U.S. are likely to face increasing competition.
Ultimately, while Trump’s overture towards Xi might be framed as a move toward peace in Ukraine, Beijing’s calculations reveal a different focus. As the conflict persists, China’s interest lies in maintaining its advantageous position relative to Western powers, keeping Russia closely allied, and ensuring that its influence on the global stage remains unchallenged.
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