German media outlet Welt reported that China has signaled its readiness to send peacekeeping forces to Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire. The report, citing anonymous EU sources, stated that China is prepared to do so only if the peacekeeping forces were deployed on the basis of a United Nations (UN) mandate. The potential deployment of Chinese troops would mark a significant shift in the country’s foreign policy, as it could involve military involvement in a conflict that has primarily been managed by NATO and other Western allies.
The EU sources emphasized that any UN-mandated mission would need to be approved by the Security Council, which has been divided on the issue of Ukraine’s sovereignty and the conflict with Russia. While some member states have called for increased international involvement, others have expressed concerns about the implications of such a move. China’s willingness to engage in a peacekeeping mission could be seen as an attempt to assert its growing influence on the global stage, particularly as the conflict has become increasingly polarized along ideological lines.
China’s position on the Ukraine conflict has remained largely neutral, with the country emphasizing its desire for a peaceful resolution. However, the potential for military involvement in the region could have broader implications for the geopolitical landscape. The deployment of peacekeeping forces would require coordination with international partners and could impact the dynamics of the conflict in complex ways. As the situation in Ukraine continues to evolve, the role of external actors such as China will remain a subject of intense scrutiny and speculation.