Chinese Media: "Russia-Ukraine Mediation Easier Than Saudi-Iran Mediation"

Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to meet consecutively with the leaders of Russia and Ukraine, and voices have emerged saying that this will be an easier task compared to China's previous diplomatic achievement of mediating the restoration of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran.

On the 14th, China's state-run Global Times (GT) stated, "Many countries in the international community are expecting China to mediate the ongoing crisis, especially the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which is causing enormous damage to the region and the world," and emphasized, "Experts believe that the experience China gained from mediating the resumption of Saudi-Iran diplomatic ties will help in mediating conflicts and tensions worldwide, including the Ukraine war."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

GT then cited an interview with Cui Heng, Associate Research Fellow at the Russia Research Center of East China Normal University, who evaluated, "Mediating the Russia-Ukraine conflict will be easier than persuading Saudi Arabia and Iran to restore diplomatic relations." Associate Research Fellow Cui explained, "The issues between Saudi Arabia and Iran involved very complex sectarian and geopolitical conflicts, whereas the conflict between Russia and Ukraine is a confrontation between the U.S.-led Western power expansion and Russia's demands for continental security and balance of power."

The media outlet added, "China will conduct mediation in its own way, maintaining neutrality and fairness rather than simply helping one side pressure the other."

According to multiple foreign media reports, President Xi is expected to visit Russia as early as next week to hold a face-to-face summit with President Vladimir Putin, followed by a virtual summit with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Previously, China invited representatives from Saudi Arabia and Iran?longtime rivals in the Middle East?to China to mediate the normalization of diplomatic relations between the two countries, showcasing its diplomatic capabilities and presence internationally.