Special Representative of the Chinese Government on Eurasian Affairs Li Hui will be present at the Jeddah meeting to discuss a possible pathway to peace for Ukraine.
The gathering will host leaders and representatives from more than 40 countries, including the UK, South Africa, Poland, the US, and the EU, all of whom have confirmed their attendance, as per Politico.
China Joins Ukraine Peace Talks in Jeddah
China's commitment to playing a constructive role in promoting a political solution to the crisis in Ukraine was emphasized by Wang Wenbin, a spokesperson at the Chinese ministry, in a statement.
China's involvement comes after it was invited to a previous round of talks in Copenhagen in late June but did not attend.
Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February last year, China has maintained close economic and diplomatic ties with Russia, refraining from condemning Moscow despite international calls to do so.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy expressed hope that the Jeddah meeting would lead to a peace summit of leaders from around the world in autumn to endorse principles based on his own 10-point formula for a settlement.
Respect for Ukraine's territorial integrity and the withdrawal of Russian troops are components of Zelenskiy's proposal.
However, Moscow claims to have annexed occupied Ukrainian territory forever, making this aspect of the formula anathema to Russia.
At present, direct peace talks between Ukraine and Russia are unlikely, given the ongoing conflict and Kyiv's counter-offensive efforts to reclaim territory. However, Ukraine seeks to build a broader diplomatic coalition beyond its core Western supporters.
It seeks to engage Global South countries like India, Brazil, and South Africa, many of which have remained publicly neutral in the conflict. A key aim of the current negotiations is to establish a common understanding of the 10-point plan proposed by Zelenskiy.
The plan includes provisions for the protection of food and energy supplies, nuclear safety, and the release of all prisoners. The Kremlin has expressed interest in the Jeddah meeting while maintaining its stance that there are currently no grounds for peace talks with Kyiv.
However, the international community is optimistic about the potential for a peaceful settlement and is pushing for clear backing of the principles enshrined in the UN Charter, such as territorial integrity, Reuters via MSN reported.
Saudi Arabia's Vital Role in Ukraine Peace Talks
Saudi Arabia's diplomatic efforts played a crucial role in persuading China to participate in the talks, reflecting Riyadh's desire to take on a prominent diplomatic role in resolving the conflict. Saudi Arabia, along with Turkey, previously played a mediation role in a major prisoner swap between Ukraine and Russia last September.
Zelenskiy's attendance at an Arab League summit in Saudi Arabia in May further solidified the kingdom's willingness to mediate in the war. A senior EU official highlighted that Saudi Arabia's involvement reaches parts of the world where Ukraine's traditional allies might not have as much influence.
Western officials will stress the impact of the conflict on food prices, particularly after Russia's withdrawal from a deal to allow safe passage of Ukrainian grain through the Black Sea, and the subsequent air strikes on Ukraine's ports.
Notably, senior officials from the United States, including National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland, will also be present at the talks.
This international participation underscores the global commitment to finding a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. As the Jeddah meeting unfolds, the international community remains hopeful that constructive dialogues will pave the way for lasting peace in the region, as per South China Morning Post.
