This is an Accepted Manuscript of a book chapter published by Routledge/CRC Press in [Routledge Handbook of Chinese and Eurasian International Relations] on [26 July 2024], available online at:  https://www.routledge.com/Routledge-Handbook-of-Chinese-and-Eurasian-International-Relations/Sahakyan/p/book/9781032573762 [BOOK ISBN ISBN 9781032573762, Chapter DOI: 10.4324/9781003439110-3] .

Abstract

This chapter focuses on China’s position on the Russo-Ukrainian war, the number one security issue in a Multipolar World Order 2.0. In Section 1, the Author introduces and analyses the main reasons for this war’s eruption and the importance of China’s involvement in problem-solving. In Section 2, Author explores China’s political and economic interests in Russia and Ukraine and the negative impact of the war on implementing the Belt and Road initiative. Section 3 argues that for this reason, China entered the diplomatic stage and actively promoted the importance of political solution. This section critically examines China’s Position on the Political Settlement of the Ukraine Crisis document. Upon analyzing the document, it has been concluded that the recommendations provided have the potential to enhance security in Eurasia. Nevertheless, at this stage, it is not feasible for the complete document from China to serve as the primary basis for a lasting peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine. Section 4 focuses on China’s position on NATO’s involvement in the Russo-Ukrainian war. It argues that China and Russia are interested in stopping NATO’s expansion towards Post-Soviet Eurasia and are trying to implement a Balance-of-threat. In conclusion, China is not interested in Ukraine’s standing as a member of the Western Pole. However, as Beijing is not interested in the escalation of the war, China prefers Ukraine to become a neutral state. In this way, China can engage Ukraine in its Belt and Road Initiative and contribute to its reconstruction. This chapter also offers three Scenarios going forward. 

“Cite. Sahakyan, M., 2024. ‘China’s Position on Russo-Ukrainian War in a Multipolar World Order 2.0’, in Sahakyan, M., ed., Routledge Handbook of Chinese and Eurasian International Relations. London: Routledge, pp. 21:39. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003439110