Chinese President Xi Jinping Speaks With Ukraine's Zelensky For The First Time Since Russia's Invasion

I had a long and meaningful phone call with 🇨🇳 President Xi Jinping. I believe that this call, as well as the appointment of Ukraine's ambassador to China, will give a powerful impetus to the development of our bilateral relations.

— Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) April 26, 2023

RFE: Zelenskiy Has 'Meaningful' First Exchange With China's Xi As Russia Presses Assault On Bakhmut  

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said his first conversation with his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, since the start of Russia's invasion of Ukraine was "long and meaningful" as Russia increased the pressure on the defenders of Bakhmut -- the site of the most intense battle for the eastern Donetsk region. 

"Had a long meaningful telephone call with Chinese President Xi Jinping," Zelenskiy wrote on Twitter. "I believe that this call, as well as the appointment of Ukraine's ambassador to China, will give a powerful impetus to the development of our bilateral relations." Zelenskiy did not provide other details about the call, but his spokesman, Serhiy Nykyforov, said on Facebook that the two had an almost hourlong telephone conversation. 

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WNU Editor: China is playing the long game in this conflict .... Chinese President Xi Jinping to send special envoy to Ukraine after first talks with Zelensky since Russian invasion (SCMP). More here .... Xi Jinping to send Chinese peace talks delegation to Ukraine (The Guardian). 

All wars come to an end. It looks like Chinese President Xi is positioning himself to be the third party that will mediate future Russia - Ukraine talks. 

The geopolitical consequences from this Chinese involvement is huge. 

A Chinese mediated end to the war, even arranging a ceasefire, will show to the world that China is the go-to-place to resolve issues and conflicts. 

This will also spell the end of Taiwan. If China can convince Europe that the war must end in Ukraine, they can convince Europe, and much of the world for that matter, that the issue of Taiwan must be resolved on China's terms. 

Chinese President Xi Jinping Speaks With Ukraine's Zelensky For The First Time Since Russia's Invasion

Ukraine's Zelensky holds first war phone call with China's Xi -- BBC 

China's Xi holds call with Ukraine's Zelensky -- AFP  

Xi and Zelensky Speak in First Known Contact Since Russia's Invasion -- New York Times 

Ukraine's Zelensky held 'meaningful' call with China's Xi Jinping -- Washington Post  

China’s Xi has first talks with Ukraine’s Zelenskyy since Russia's invasion -- NBC  

Chinese leader Xi Jinping speaks with Ukraine's Zelensky for first time since Russia's invasion -- CNN  

China wants peace talks, Xi tells Zelenskyy -- DW  

Zelensky, Xi hold 'long, meaningful' call; 1st since Russia invaded Ukraine -- UPI  

Xi Jinping and Zelensky speak for first time since war started -- El Pais  

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has 'long and meaningful' phone call with China's Xi Jinping -- ABC News Australia  

Zelensky and Xi speak in first call since Russia invasion of Ukraine -- Axios

Ukraine President Zelensky Invites Chinese President Xi Jinping To Ukraine

 

Politico: Zelenskyy to Xi Jinping: Come to Ukraine 

'We are ready to see him here,’ Ukrainian president says. 

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Wednesday invited his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping to Ukraine, for what would be the first direct communication between the two leaders since the beginning of Russia’s all-out war on Ukraine. 

“We are ready to see [Xi] here,” Zelenskyy said in an interview with the Associated Press, a U.S. newswire, on a train to Kyiv, adding, “I want to speak with him.” “I had contact with him before full-scale war. But during all this year, more than one year, I didn’t have [contact],” Zelenskyy said.  

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Update #1: Zelensky invites China’s Xi to visit Ukraine (The Hill)  

Update #2: Zelensky invites Xi Jinping to Ukraine (Ukrinform)  

WNU editor: I personally would not mind if Chinese President Xi goes to Kyiv. Anything to get the peace process moving forward should be supported. But I also know the Chinese do not operate like this. The will want Zelensky to first fly to Beijing to meet Xi. I also know the Chinese will first want to enter into talks before any official announcement is made. 

Beijing will not want President Xi to fly to Ukraine, or President Zelensky flying to Beijing, just for a photo-op. Beijing will want something concrete in return, but the problem is that I do not see Ukraine President Zelensky willing to compromise on anything right now.  

Update #3: This is not a good sign. The Chinese Foreign ministry does not know what the Ukraine President is talking about .... China’s MFA has no information about possible Zelensky–Xi meeting (Ukrinform).

Why Is Ukraine President Zelensky Refraining From Criticizing China And Its Close Relationship With Russia?

Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky in Kiev, Ukraine © AFP / Genya SAVILOV  

Politico: Call me anytime: Zelenskyy plays the long game with Xi Jinping  

Ukraine is conspicuously diplomatic in its dealings with Vladimir Putin’s top ally. 

KYIV — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is happy to unleash withering criticism against countries including Hungary and Germany for getting too close to the Russians. But he’s playing a diplomatic long game with Moscow’s No. 1 ally: Chinese President Xi Jinping. 

There are good reasons for not riling the Chinese, despite their “no-limits partnership” with Moscow. Zelenskyy wants to keep Beijing onside as an investor, trade partner and potential middleman — rather than push it away, and run the risk of Xi approving major exports of arms to Russia’s forces. In the years ahead, China’s deep pockets are also likely to play a role in helping Ukraine rebuild from the devastation of war. 

As Xi visits Moscow this week, speculation is mounting that he could also finally hold the first phone call with Zelenskyy since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. While no call has been confirmed, U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said he would welcome such a conversation between Xi and Zelenskyy, noting, “We believe that the [People’s Republic of China] and President Xi himself should hear directly the Ukrainian perspective and not just the Russian perspective.”  

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Update: Ukraine afraid to criticize China – Politico (RT) 

 WNU Editor: I am not sure if this restraint from Zelensky is going to continue. A number of deals were signed yesterday between China and Russia in Moscow, and while the details have not been public, my sources tell me that China has committed to providing all the political and material support that Russia needs to win the war.

Ukraine President Zelensky Says He Plans To Meet Chinese President Xi On Proposed Peace Plan

Ukraine President Zelensky  

Yahoo News: Zelensky plans to meet with China's Xi on proposed peace plan  

On Friday, China’s Foreign Ministry announced a 12-point proposal that called for a resumption of peace talks between Ukraine and Russia. 

LONDON — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday said he planned to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping about China's proposed peace plan, released on the first anniversary of the war. 

“China started talking about Ukraine, and I think this is a good thing,” Zelensky said at a news conference one year after Russia’s invasion. “But it actually begs the question, what will these words be followed with? The steps next are important.” 

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Update: Ukraine's Zelensky says he plans to meet China's Xi (Jerusalem Post)  

WNU Editor: I will be surprised if this meeting happens. But if it does happen, the Russian offensive that everyone has been talking about for the past two months will be delayed.

Ukraine President Zelensky Warns China That Backing Russia In Ukraine Will Mean World War III

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned China against supporting Russia, saying doing so would bring on a world war. PHOTO: EPA-EFE  

Business Insider: If China allies with Russia there will be a new World War, Ukraine's President Zelenskyy warns 

* Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Monday that China allying with Russia would lead to another world war. 

* The Ukrainian president expressed his hope that China backs Ukraine over Russia in the ongoing war. 

* US officials have expressed concern that China could support Russia by providing lethal aid. 

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned China against supporting Russia, saying that doing so would threaten to bring about a new World War. 

The warning came in an interview published on Monday in the German newspaper Die Welt, in which Zelenskyy outlined his hopes that China would choose to support Ukraine, and not Russia, in the ongoing conflict. 

"At the moment, however, I don't think it's possible," he said, per Al Jazeera's translation of the interview. Zelenskyy told the newspaper that he sees an opportunity for China to make a "pragmatic assessment" of the situation. 

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Update #1: Should China ally with Russia, there would be a world war: Zelensky (Reuters)  

Update #2: China backing Russia in Ukraine would mean World War III: Zelensky (NYPost)  

WNU Editor: I doubt Ukraien will be receptive to China's "peace plan" for the conflict .... China says it’s seeking role in Ukraine peace settlement (AP).

Beijing Tries To Play Both Sides As The Ukraine Crisis Grows

 

Washington Times: China: Moscow has ‘legitimate’ security concerns with NATO, Ukraine 

Government spokesman sidesteps questions on incursion China on Tuesday appeared to back Russian grievances over Ukraine and NATO following Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recognition Monday of two separatist enclaves in the eastern part of the country, noting what it called Moscow’s “legitimate security concerns.” 

Wang Wenbin, a Foreign Ministry spokesman, fielded inquiries from reporters on China’s position on the Ukraine crisis and repeatedly sidestepped questions about support for Russian actions that the U.S. and allies have condemned as an invasion and violation of Kyiv’s sovereignty.

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WNU Editor: This sums up the Chinese government position on the Ukraine crisis .... All parties should give Russia, Ukraine some space to resolve issue: Global Times editorial. More here .... China calls for calm, restraint and dialogue to ease Ukraine tensions (CGTN). 

Update: This should surprise no one .... A Chinese news outlet accidentally leaked its own censorship instructions on Russia-Ukraine coverage: report (Insider). 

More On China's Response To The Ukraine Crisis 

China concerned about 'worsening' Ukraine situation, warns nationals there -- Reuters  

China moves closer to Russia, but wary on Ukraine -- France 24  

China keeps walking its tightrope between Russia and the West as tensions flare in Ukraine -- Washington Post  

As the West condemns Russia over Ukraine, Beijing strikes a different tone -- Simone McCarthy, CNN  

China warns nationals of 'worsening' situation in Ukraine -- The Hill  

China’s Foreign Minister Wang speaks with U.S. Secretary of State Blinken about Ukraine -- CNBC

Will China Take Sides In A Russia-Ukraine War?

Russian President Vladimir Putin shakes hands with Chinese leader Xi Jinping during their meeting on the sidelines of a BRICS summit, in Brasilia, Brazil, Nov. 13, 2019. (Sputnik/Ramil Sitdikov/Kremlin via REUTERS)  

Zero Hedge/Epoch Times: China Will Play Major Role In Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Experts 

Tensions are mounting throughout the world concerning the possibility of a war between Russia and Ukraine. One question that has experts on edge is what role China might play in such a conflict, and how such an event could set a dangerous precedent for China’s global ambitions—particularly in relation to Taiwan. 

Russia has demanded that Ukraine never be allowed to join NATO. As of this week, it has amassed 130,000 troops at the eastern border of Ukraine to intimidate Western nations into disallowing Ukraine from ever joining the alliance and to pressure the global community away from further militarizing the region. 

The Chinese leadership has joined in the effort, urging cool heads while also giving cover for Russia and its history of illegal expansion. 

The regime’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke about the situation during a telephone call on Jan. 27. Wang used the call to tell Blinken to “stay calm” and warned the United States to stop creating “anti-China cliques.” The interaction could signal a much-increased role for China as a diplomatic go-between for Russia and the rest of the world.  

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Update #1: China sides with Russia’s ‘security concerns’ in standoff with US, NATO over Ukraine (NYPost)  

Update #2: China Urges Calm and Respect for Russia Amid Growing Ukraine Crisis (National Interest)  

WNU Editor: Chinese state media is very clear on who they see is provoking the current Ukraine crisis, and on whose side they will choose .... If US provokes China or Russia, the other won’t be indifferent (Global Times).

China Tells US Secretary of State Blinken That Russia's Security Concerns Should Be 'Taken Seriously'

Daily Mail: China backs Putin as top diplomat warns US that Russia's security demands 'must be taken seriously' amid fears of war in Ukraine 

* China backed Putin in Ukraine crisis, saying demands must be 'taken seriously' 

* Foreign minister Wang Yi urged America to abandon its 'Cold War mentality' 

* He delivered the comments during a call with Secretary of State Antony Blinken 

* Came after Blinken sent a letter to Moscow, rejecting most of Putin's demands China has thrown its back behind Russia over Ukraine, warning the US that Putin's security demands must be 'taken seriously'. 

Foreign minister Wang Yi told Secretary of State Antony Blinken that he should abandon his 'Cold War mentality' and engage in negotiations during a call today. 

The call took place just after Blinken had delivered a letter to Moscow, rejecting most of Putin's demands around Ukraine.  

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WNU editor: US Secretary of State Blinken warns China of 'global security' risks due to Russian threat in Ukraine .... US warns China of 'global security' risks due to Russian threat in Ukraine (France 24). 

China Tells US Secretary of State Blinken That Russia's Security Concerns Should Be 'Taken Seriously'  

China weighs in on Ukraine and Russia in call with Blinken -- DW  

China Backs Russia in Strongest Display Yet of Support Over Ukraine -- Newsweek  

China tells Antony Blinken to yield to Russia in Ukraine crisis -- Washington Examiner  

China warns US over standoff with Russia -- RT

Here Are The Signs To Look For If Russia Is Going To Invade Ukraine

Atlantic Council: Will Russia make a military move against Ukraine? Follow these clues. 

For weeks, the eyes of the world have been on a Russian troop buildup near Ukraine, as Western officials struggle to decipher Russian President Vladimir Putin’s intent: beef up his attack on Ukrainian sovereignty, or bluff his way to key concessions? 

Amid a flurry of diplomatic talks, fiery rhetoric, and movements of heavy materiel, we wanted to separate the signal from the noise. So we reached out to our military fellows at the Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security, who are active-duty officers with the US Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps, for a sense of what they’re tracking most closely—and what indicators we should all be monitoring to divine Putin’s intentions.  

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WNU Editor: The above post says that the Russian army is not going to move into Ukraine during the "muddy" season. I disagree. The muddy fields in the spring thaw are not going to stop Russian armor from moving into Ukraine. The Russian military trains in this type of environment all the time, and they know what needs to be done. 

But there is another reason why a Russian invasion will not happen in the next month. The Beijing winter Olympics opens in two weeks, and Russia is not going to do anything that will divert world attention away from these games and China's efforts to showcase its country.

Ukraine's Close Ties To China Is Another Reason Why NATO Should Be Hesitant In Admitting Kiev Into The Organization

© Photo : Press service of the Ukrainian president

SCMP: Ukraine’s path to Nato complicated by close ties to China

Kiev passed a new law that aims to push the country closer to Europe and Nato membership. But are deepening ties with Beijing – Moscow’s close military ally – pulling the country in a different direction?

On June 21, a new Law on National Security passed by Ukraine’s lawmakers was welcomed as a strong step on the country’s path to Euro-Atlantic integration and eventual membership of the Nato alliance.

President Petro Poroshenko said the legislation would improve military-technical cooperation between Ukraine and Nato and reaffirms the country’s strategic pivot to the West. His government now plans to include the law in Ukraine’s constitution.

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WNU Editor: Chinese ties with Ukraine run deep and are decades old, and I know enough to say that many of the deals that both countries have strucked over the years were done so because of corruption. The worst one in my book was this one that occurred in 2013 when a Chinese government run conglomerate bought approximately 9% - 10% of Ukraine’s arable land for £1.7-billion .... Did China Just Buy 5% Of Ukraine? (September 23, 2018). I remember at the time the Ukraine government was denying reports that this deal occurred, but I also remembered at the time that people who had been farming this land for generations were being notified that their farmland no longer belonged to them to farm. The anger that came from that deal .... among many other reasons .... was used by the separatists 8 months later to rally support in eastern Ukraine to break away from the central authority of Kiev. Flash forward to today .... I can say with confidence that nothing has changed. The Chinese have always viewed Ukraine as an easy country to buy via through corruption and bribes. If Ukraine becomes a member of NATO .... it is a given to me that NATO secrets will be in the hands of Chinese intelligence within a very short period of time. On a positive note .... many in NATO know that, and are resisting these calls for Ukraine membership in NATO.

Update: Ooopppsss .... I forgot about this article from last year where Ukraine President Poroshenko tried to play both sides of the fence .... Poroshenko Hopes to Develop 'Strategic Partnership' Between Ukraine and China (Sputnik).

Update #2: About time .... China's ambitions in eastern Europe to face scrutiny at summit (Channel News Asia/Reuters).

China Wants Its Money Back From Ukraine Thereby Risking Default

Ukraine's president, Viktor Yanukovich, and China's president, Xi Jinping, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Dec. 5, 2013 (Photo/CNS)

Global Research: Kiev Regime Debt: Ukraine Stiffs China for Billions It Owes

WNU Editor: A poorly written article .... but the message is clear .... China lent Ukraine billions and it wants a return on its investment/loan. Ukraine responds that they cannot pay them now. China is not happy .... and is now in a position to call in its loan(s) .... thereby putting the Ukraine government into default. You cannot help but feel that the house of cards that Ukraine has built over the years is now on the verge of collapsing.

China Takes Russia's Side Over A Disputed Arms Buy With Ukraine

Money Dispute With Kiev Threatens Future Chinese Arms Buys -- Washington Times

China is colluding with Russia to avoid paying $14 million to the Ukrainian government for a second Zubr-class amphibious landing hovercraft — or air-cushioned landing craft — that was delivered by Kiev to the Chinese People’s Liberation Army in early March. The delivery came days before the Russian annexation of Crimea, where the vessel was built. At issue is the question of who gets the $14 million.

Since the contract was signed between China and Ukraine before Russia’s intervention in Ukraine, Beijing is obligated to pay the remaining $14 million for the delivered vessel to the government in Kiev.

But Russia vehemently opposes any Chinese payment to Kiev and insists that China pay the fund to two shipbuilding companies located in Crimea, now controlled by Moscow after the region was annexed by Russia.

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My Comment: Russia is far more important to China than Ukraine .... they are not going to upset that relationship .... and definitely not over two hovercraft and a few million dollars.

China Wants $3 Billion In Loans Returned From Ukraine

(Click on Image to Enlarge)

China's Agricultural Deals with Ukraine in Jeopardy -- The Diplomat

Reports that China wants $3 billion in loans returned call into question the future of China-Ukraine agricultural deals.

Russian media have been reporting that China is seeking the return of $3 billion in loans. The reports, also picked up by the South China Morning Post, cite an unnamed Ukrainian official as saying that China has filed a complaint against Ukraine for reneging on a deal where $3 billion in loans from China would be repaid in corn exports from Ukraine. According to the official, Kiev only provided a little over $150 million of worth of grain to China.

The original deal was signed in the fall of 2012. At the time, Ukraine’s agriculture minster, Mykola Prysyazhnyuk, told Financial Times that in return for access to $3 billion in loans, Kiev would export about 3 million tons of corn to China each year. Although China has in the past used a similar arrangement in oil-for-loans deals, the arrangement with the Ukraine was a first for China. The loan money was supposed to be mostly put back into the agricultural sector, including a $3 billion irrigation plan for the southern part of Ukraine.

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Previous Post: Did China Just Buy 5% Of Ukraine?

My Comment: I commented on this deal last year .... I hated it then .... and I hate it even more now because I know that huge payoffs were involved .... and no surprise .... we now know that the money has disappeared. This loan call-back is going to have a serious impact on Ukraine .... other lenders are taking note, and are now probably even more wary in providing aid to Ukraine.

Did China Just Buy 5% Of Ukraine?

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China Reportedly Just Bought 5% Of Ukraine (But The Ukrainian Partner Denies It) -- Quartz

Update (9:21 a.m. ET): Ukraine’s KSG Agro released a statement today, Sept. 24, denying reports that it had reached an agreement to sell 3 million hectares to a Chinese firm. Hong Kong’s South China Morning Post had reported a deal between KSG Agro and China’s Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, (XPCC) in which China would be able to farm the area for up to 50 years. The paper cited a statement from XPCC as the source of its report. Quartz and other media also reported on the story.

In its statement, the Warsaw-listed agricultural firm said that it is only working with its Chinese partners on a project to install drip-irrigation systems over an area of 3,000 hectares in Ukraine next year. “KSG Agro does not intend or have any right to sell land to foreigners, including the Chinese,” the statement posted on their website said. China’s XPCC could not be immediately reached for comment.

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More News On China Leasing 5% Of Ukraine For Farming

China ‘land grab’ sees it given control of 5% of Ukraine, accused of ‘neo-colonialism’ -- National Post
China To Lease 3 Million Hectares Of Ukrainian Farmland -- Radio Free Europe
China to invest in 3 mln hectares of Ukrainian farmland - media -- Reuters
China buys 5 percent of Ukraine's land -- UPI
China 'to rent five per cent of Ukraine' -- The Telegraph
Why China Wants (and Needs) Foreign Farm Land -- The Geographic
Here's How Absurdly Huge China's Disputed Deal To Farm 5% Of Ukraine Would Be -- SFGate/Business Insider

My Comment: I am very familiar with the land in question .... my father grew up in the area .... and I know that if he was alive he would be horrified to see what has just happened. £1.7-billion for control/ownership of a territory that represents 9% of Ukraine’s arable land .... I call that a good long term deal for the Chinese .... horrible for the long term future of all Ukrainians.