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As the war in Ukraine enters its fourth year, U.S. President Donald Trump is calling on China to use its influence over Russia to bring Moscow to the negotiating table. His appeal comes ahead of a planned meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea, part of Trump’s new Asia tour aimed at reshaping U.S. foreign policy and unlocking a long-stalled peace process.
“I’d like China to help us out with Russia,” Trump said aboard Air Force One. “President Xi wants to see the war end. I have a very good relationship with him — very good.”
Why Trump Wants China’s Help
Trump’s strategy recognizes an uncomfortable truth: China is Russia’s most critical ally, providing economic lifelines through energy trade and dual-use exports since the start of the invasion. Beijing has helped Moscow weather Western sanctions by buying discounted Russian oil and maintaining robust trade, even as it insists on neutrality.
By appealing directly to Xi Jinping, Trump hopes to leverage China’s economic influence over the Kremlin. Analysts say Beijing is one of the few powers with enough sway to pressure Vladimir Putin into serious peace talks — if it chooses to use it.
A Difficult Week for Kyiv
Trump’s remarks follow a challenging stretch for Ukraine:
The U.S. declined to send Tomahawk cruise missiles;
EU leaders delayed releasing frozen Russian assets meant to fund Ukraine’s defense;
New Russian strikes killed civilians in Kyiv, worsening public morale.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky called for renewed international support, saying, “No country should be left alone in the face of such evil.”
Meanwhile, Trump — who has made ending the Russia-Ukraine war a key campaign promise — has grown increasingly frustrated. His August summit with Putin yielded no progress, and although he recently imposed sanctions on Russia’s largest oil companies, the Kremlin claims it remains “immune” to U.S. pressure.
China’s Balancing Act: Ally, Partner, or Peace Broker?
China walks a fine diplomatic line. It has never condemned Russia’s invasion and has deepened economic ties with Moscow, yet it presents itself as a responsible global power advocating “peaceful dialogue.” Xi Jinping has previously said that China “supports any effort conducive to peace.”
China’s unique leverage lies in its:
Energy purchases that fund the Russian war machine;
Export of dual-use goods that sustain Russia’s military industry;
Diplomatic cover in global forums like BRICS and the UN.
For Trump’s plan to succeed, China would need to subtly pressure Russia by linking trade, energy deals, or military cooperation to measurable peace progress — a risky move that could test the “no-limits” friendship between Moscow and Beijing.
Implications for Ukraine and Europe
For Kyiv, the possibility of Chinese involvement offers both hope and caution. While any path to peace is welcome, Ukraine remains wary of back-channel deals that might freeze the conflict without restoring its full sovereignty.
Trump has suggested that Ukraine may need to “make a deal” — possibly by giving up aspirations to join NATO or accepting temporary territorial compromises. That idea has alarmed European leaders, who fear it could embolden future aggression by Russia.
If China joins negotiations, Europe could face a dramatic shift in the balance of diplomatic power, as Washington, Beijing, and Moscow shape a new post-war order that leaves the EU playing catch-up.
Challenges to Any Peace Plan
Despite optimism, major obstacles remain:
Trust deficit: Putin’s intentions remain unclear; Trump admits that “talks with Vladimir go nowhere.”
Non-negotiable demands: Russia wants Ukraine to recognize annexed territories, while Ukraine insists on full restoration.
Timing and optics: A premature deal could look like appeasement, undermining global confidence in U.S. leadership.
China’s true motive: Beijing benefits strategically from a weakened, isolated Russia and may avoid taking real risks to end the war.
What’s Next?
Trump and Xi’s meeting in Seoul is expected to touch on trade, Taiwan, and Ukraine.
The White House may announce additional sanctions on Russian oil if diplomacy stalls.
China’s response will determine whether Trump’s outreach becomes symbolic or transformative.
Key Takeaways
Trump is courting China’s help to push Russia into peace talks over Ukraine, betting on Beijing’s influence with Moscow.
China’s leverage — economic and diplomatic — could make it a powerful mediator if it chooses to act.
Ukraine faces tough choices, balancing sovereignty with pressure for a negotiated settlement.
Europe remains cautious, fearing a quick deal could favor Moscow and sideline the EU.
Global implications: If China mediates, it could mark a major power shift in international diplomacy.
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