Russia-Ukraine talks: Neutral parties should play proactive role
Allawi Ssemanda
What you need to know:
- On the other side, China has not shown side and has been calling for diplomacy as the best way of resolving this crisis.
It is a week since Russian forces invaded Ukraine in what Russian President Vladimir Putin described as a “military action” aimed at protecting Moscow supporters from a supposedly “genocidal” regime.
From the look of things, the war is not about to end and Russia seems determined.
In same way, Western countries are increasing pressure against Moscow with different western Capitals slapping sanctions against Russia. While sanctions may have an impact against Russia in the long run, it is clear that sanctions hardly bring about desired changes and sometimes they severe already poor relations among countries. In this case, dialogue and negotiations remain the best option in addressing challenges among countries.
Despite Ukrainian president saying he does not expect much from these negotiations, the fact that the two sides met is a good sign and should be encouraged. No matter how cliché it may sound, talking with each other is better than talking at each other. However, it is evident that unless the two sides and Ukraine’s backers are not ready to compromise, these negations may stale prolonging the war and suffering of people in Ukraine.
To safeguard these talks, a neutral country, which has not shown side and with a good record as far as observing international laws such as respecting territorial boundaries of sovereign countries is concerned, is a better option and has moral authority to facilitate such negotiations. Among all major powers, only China qualifies. This does not mean other major powers cannot help, but considering that many, especially the US and EU, have shown sides, they can only watch and perhaps encourage them than acting as spoilers or continuing with statements that may escalate the situation.
On the other side, China has not shown side and has been calling for diplomacy as the best way of resolving this crisis.
Indeed, China’s State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi has been categorical on China’s stand in regard to the Ukraine question maintaining that: the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries should be respected and protected and the purposes and principles of the UN Charter abided by in real earnest; stressed that security of one country should not come at the expense of the security of other countries; encouraged all parties to exercise the necessary restraint; expressed support for all diplomatic efforts conducive to a peaceful settlement of the Ukraine crisis; encouraged direct dialogue and negotiation between Russia and Ukraine, and stressed its belief that UN Security Council should play a constructive role in resolving the Ukraine issue, stressing that “actions taken by the Security Council should help cool the situation and facilitate diplomatic resolution rather than fueling tensions and causing further escalation”. Even in UNSC emergency session, while the West voted and campaigned for the resolution to condemn Russia, China used that chance and urged concerned parties to consider dialogue, and abstained.
From historical perspective, China’s intention to ensure a peaceful world where countries observe and respect international laws is solid. Beijing has been very consistent with a view of maintaining global security and saving people from suffering due to wars.
While some western pundits have claimed that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine gives China a chance to invade and occupy Taiwan, it is important to note that Ukraine Question is very different from Taiwan. While Ukraine is a sovereign country with its territories protected by international laws, Taiwan is China’s territory and suggesting China will invade it is like saying China will invade herself. For Taiwan’s case, it can only be unification but not invasion.
Again, as Chinese Foreign Minister observed, when it comes to peace and security, China has the best record among major powers. It has never invaded other countries or engaged in proxy wars, nor have they ever sought spheres of influence or participated in military bloc confrontations. On top of opposing power politics, and hegemonies, China has always campaigned that great powers respect and uphold legitimate rights and interests of developing countries-be small or medium-sized.
Mr Allawi Ssemanda is the Executive Director of Development Watch Centre; a foreign policy think tank .
Twitter: @AllawiSsemanda
