context: Invited by PRC Foreign Minister Wang Yi 王毅, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba visited the PRC on 23-26 July. Not long before, Beijing had seen advances made in central Asia and Russian relations via the Shangahi Cooperation Organisation, which admitted Belarus as a new member. Kuleba would be replaced by Andrei Sibyga on 10 September.
This was the first visit by a senior Ukrainian official to the PRC since the start of the Russian war in Ukraine in 2022, and the first by a Ukrainian foreign minister since 2012.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba emphasised the importance of direct dialogue between Ukraine and the PRC, focusing on restoring peace, deepening bilateral relations and expanding economic cooperation. The PRC could, he said, play an important role in achieving a 'just and sustainable peace' in Ukraine.
The visit reflected willingness of both Ukraine and the PRC to work towards resolving the Ukraine crisis. Ukraine might try to persuade the PRC to participate in a second Ukraine peace summit, analysts speculated, planned for November 2024.
The timing of the visit was noted as interesting, coinciding with developments in US politics that could affect support for Ukraine. Beijing reiterated its stance on the Ukraine crisis, urging ceasefire and a political solution. Russia commented that its relations with the PRC remain important, and that it will keep developing ties with Beijing.
Over the past two years, Beijing has been active in peace efforts, including issuing a position paper on the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis and sending special envoys for mediation.