Chinese President Xi Jinping, addressing G20 leaders at the summit in Brazil on Monday, called for concerted efforts to “cool” the ongoing Ukraine crisis and seek a political resolution. His remarks came shortly after the United States approved Ukraine’s use of long-range missiles against targets inside Russia, signaling an escalation in the conflict that began with Russia’s invasion in 2022.
Xi Jinping urged G20 leaders to back the United Nations and its Security Council in facilitating a peaceful settlement. “The G20 should support the United Nations and its Security Council in playing a greater role, and support all efforts conducive to the peaceful settlement of crises,” Xi Jinping said, as reported by Chinese state broadcaster CCTV. He emphasized the need to avoid “spillovers” and further escalation while encouraging a political solution.
China has maintained its position as a neutral party in the war, asserting that it does not provide lethal aid to either side. However, Beijing remains a close political and economic ally of Russia, a stance that has drawn criticism from NATO. Western nations, including the United States, have labeled China a “decisive enabler” of the conflict, given its reluctance to condemn Russia’s actions.
The G20 remarks coincided with major developments in the conflict. Following the U.S. decision to authorize missile use, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced Germany would send 4,000 AI-guided drones to Ukraine, further intensifying international involvement.
Xi Jinping also used his speech to advocate for strengthening multilateral trade systems and cautioned against “politicizing economic issues.” Without directly naming countries, he warned against protectionism disguised as green initiatives, a likely reference to U.S. policies targeting Chinese imports such as electric vehicle batteries and solar cells. “We must avoid politicizing economic issues, artificially dividing the global market, and avoid practicing protectionism in the name of green and low-carbon development,” Xi said.
The Chinese president also touched on artificial intelligence, urging global cooperation to ensure equitable access. “AI should not become a game of rich countries and the wealthy,” he said, signaling his concerns about technological inequality.
In addition to Ukraine, Xi Jinping addressed the escalating conflict in Gaza between Israel and Hamas, urging all sides to cease fighting. “The war has brought heavy suffering,” he noted, reiterating the need for international efforts to mitigate humanitarian crises.
Xi Jinping’s statements reflect Beijing’s dual approach of advocating for multilateralism while defending its economic interests amidst growing tensions with the United States and its allies.
