The 79th session of the UN General Assembly focused on climate change, global threats, poverty and inequality, health issues, and AI governance. The discussions covered key aspects of sustainable development and international cooperation. With the participation of leaders from 193 countries, this became one of this year’s main diplomatic events. It came to the focus of the international community not only for the wide range of issuesdiscussed but also for its significance in the context of current geopolitical challenges, such as the ongoing war in Ukraine – the largest and most destructive act of aggression in Europe since World War 2.
Despite China’s declared desire for a peaceful settlement, itexploits international platforms such as the UN General Assembly to promote peace initiatives, which, in fact, appear to be attempts to strengthen Beijing’s position in the global arena. The question arises if these initiatives are really aimed at achieving long-term peace, and whether they meet the expectations of the international community.
At the 2024 UN General Assembly, China presented its peace initiatives to settle the war in Ukraine, which raise multiplequestions and serious doubts. China’s 12-point plan, put forwardback in 2023, implies cessation of hostilities, humanitarian aid, and protection of civilians. However, a serious drawback is that the plan offers no specific mechanisms for the withdrawal of Russian troops from the occupied territories of Ukraine and neither does it mention the need to hold Russia accountable for war crimes already committed. This makes the Chinese proposals superficial and ineffective in the context of an actual settlement of the conflict. Citing the UN Charter, China calls for an end to the Cold War and bloc confrontation, as well as support for trade chains. However, it remains unclear how Beijing intends to achieve these goals without addressing the main issues. The call for an end to hostilities looks more like an attempt to maintain the status quo, which would be beneficial to Russia. China has also expressed reluctance to participate in actual diplomatic initiatives, such as the Global Summit for Peace in Ukraine, hosted by Switzerland, where concrete steps to end the war were being drawn up.
In addition, the Chinese plan partially duplicates the points of the Ukrainian Peace Formula, which already includes measures on radiation and nuclear safety, food security, and the release of prisoners of war. Instead of supporting these initiatives, China has opted for developing its own plan, which creates the impression of dividing international efforts, contrary to China’s statements on supporting global peace. Also important is the absence of a point in the Chinese plan on bringing war criminals to justice, which undermines the objectivity of the Chinese position.
In addition, in late May 2024, China and Brazil presented a joint six-point plan that lacks Ukraine’s key demands for the restoration of its territorial integrity. Both plans put forward by China are perceived as diplomatic maneuvers aimed at strengthening China’s position on the world stage, rather than real efforts to end the war. Italian politicians, such as Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, have repeatedly expressed concern over China’s growing influence across Europe. Meloni stressed that Chinese peace initiatives could weaken the West and the EU, which only plays into Moscow’s hands. Also, she noted the importance of containing Chinese economic influence in Europe in order to preserve strategic independence. Tajani, in turn, pointed out the need to strengthen European cooperation with the US and NATO to protect Europe from China’s influence, especially in the context of the ongoing war in Ukraine.
The statements by Italian leaders highlight Italy and EU’s concerns about China’s growing influence amid the war in Ukraine. Accepting Chinese peace proposals without taking into due account the interests of Europe and Ukraine could undermine regional stability and weaken the EU’s international position.
It is critical that Italy and Europe maintain a clear policy toward Ukraine based on international law. Volodymyr Zelensky’s Peace Formula, a real path to a just peace that is supported by the international community, should remain a priority.
As long as China offers parallel initiatives, this only prolongs the war and increases the destruction. Italy, as part of the European Union, must advocate for coordinated support for Ukraine to prevent the further strengthening of China’s influence and maintain European security.
