Jinping on Russia visit: The Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday that Chinese President Xi Jinping will travel to Russia in the coming months for a summit with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Citing close aides of President Xi, the media reported that China wants to play an “important” role in mediating peace talks in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang also said the same thing during a security conference in Beijing.
According to reports, the Chinese leader will visit Moscow in the last month of April or the first week of May – when the country will be celebrating its World War II victory over Germany. During his visit, it is speculated that the Chinese leader will persuade his Russian counterpart to refrain from starting any nuclear project – if it is in the pipeline.
Ahead of the much-anticipated visit, the country’s top diplomat Wang Yi will visit China on Tuesday. According to WSJ sources, the diplomats will discuss ways to enhance trade ties and other pressing issues.
Zelensky warns of a third world war
Earlier on Monday, war-torn President Zelensky warned of the possibility of a third world war “if China cooperates with Russia in its ongoing aggression against Kiev.” Speaking to Die Welt, a German daily, President Zelensky stressed the importance of China distancing itself from Moscow’s leader Vladimir Putin. “For us, it is important that China does not support the Russian Federation in this war. In fact, I would like it to be on our side,” Zelensky said.
However, he maintained that the chances are slim as his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping understands the sensitivity of assisting a country that is waging a brutal war against its neighbour. “At the moment, though, I don’t think it’s possible. But I see an opportunity for China to make a practical assessment of what’s happening here. Because if China aligns itself with Russia, there will be a world war, and I think China is aware of this,” German media quoted Zelensky as saying.