Is China able to mediate for peace between Russia and Ukraine?

China had earlier proposed a 12-point peace plan in Ukraine and has speculated it could try to facilitate negotiations between the opposing parties. The Chinese Foreign Ministry has not confirmed President Xi's plans for talks with any leaders, but has declared that he is communicating with both sides.

Following are some of the issues China likely considers as it considers prospects for peace in Ukraine.

Why would China intercede?

China, traditionally, has maintained a principle not to interfere in the conflicts of other countries, especially in those with the most distant territorial scope.

But a peace deal reached in Beijing last week between Saudi Arabia and Iran highlights a Chinese goal to design itself as a major responsible power under President Xi's leadership, analysts say.

“X would like to be seen on the global scene as a state man whose influence at least equals that of US leader”, said Wang Jiangyu, a law professor at Hong Kong University.

Analysts suggest that China is motivated to mediate peace in Ukraine to reject allegations that it has backed Russia, which is aggressive in the ongoing conflict, but refers to as a <x0->special military operation”.

Although the chances for immediate progress are slim, pursuing peace negotiations is a relatively low-cost initiative that can offer significant benefits to China.

What is China's peace proposal?

China's 12-point document on the <x0 crisis political resolution in Ukraine” stressed the need for both sides to gradually de-climate conflict, leading to a sweeping ceasefire.

The plan requires protection of civilians and respect for the sovereignty of all countries. China, however, has not condemned the invasion of Russia. The proposed plan was not met with much warmth in Russia or Ukraine, while the United States and NATO looked at it with scepticism.

Ukraine, which says it will take into account peace plans only after Russian troops leave its territory, did not agree with this plan, as it does not underline Russia must withdraw from the country's established borders since the Soviet Union's breakup in 1991. However, the country later said it could reconcile with “parts of it”.

Russia responded by saying it said it would conduct a detailed “completion of” of the plan, but that it did not see any indifference for a peaceful solution at the moment.

The United States said China, having publicly presented itself as neutral, is reflecting Russia's <x0-narrating false” for war.

NATO, on the other hand, said China did not have much credibility as a mediator for Ukraine.