China’s peace plan for Ukraine, which was proposed in February 2023, is a 12-point proposal aimed at resolving the conflict in Ukraine through diplomatic means. The plan includes proposals for a ceasefire, the withdrawal of foreign forces, the establishment of a demilitarized zone, and the formation of a national unity government.

China has mainly played a diplomatic role in the conflict, but if the parties to the conflict agree to engage it more, China might play a more important role in finding a solution.

However, it is important to note that any resolution to the Ukraine conflict would ultimately need to be agreed upon by the conflicting parties themselves and would require a willingness to engage in dialogue and make compromises. The success of any peace plan would depend on the willingness of the conflicting parties to engage in negotiations and make compromises, as well as the involvement of other key stakeholders such as the United States and the European Union.

The principles of non-interference in the domestic affairs of other countries and upholding neutrality in international disputes have long been guiding principles for China’s foreign policy. The “Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence,” as this policy is known, were first stated by China in the 1950s and have since served as a foundational concept for Chinese foreign policy. By this principle, China has usually sought to uphold neutrality in disputes involving other countries and to advance diplomatic efforts to settle disputes peacefully. But China may choose sides in some conflicts if it believes that its national interests are at stake, so it is essential to keep in mind that China’s foreign policy is not always purely neutral. For instance, China has backed Pakistan in conflicts with India and has backed North Korea in its conflict with South Korea and the United States.

As for the Ukraine crisis, China has shown support for Russia in the informational and, secondarily, diplomatic realms. China has cooperated with Russia in terms of security though it didn’t give any direct military assistance to Russia.

How much is this Peace Plan Feasible?

The feasibility of China’s 12-point peace plan for Ukraine with certainty. However, the feasibility of any peace plan depends on a variety of factors, including the willingness of the conflicting parties to engage in dialogue and make compromises, the involvement of other key stakeholders, and the effectiveness of the proposed measures.

The conflict in Ukraine is a complex and long-standing issue, and any efforts to resolve it must consider the interests and concerns of all parties involved. The feasibility of China’s peace plan will depend on how well the proposed measures address the underlying issues that led to the conflict, and how well they are received by the conflicting parties.

It is worth noting that China is a major global power with significant influence in international affairs. As such, its involvement in efforts to resolve the conflict in Ukraine could be a positive development, particularly if it helps to bring the conflicting parties to the negotiating table and facilitates productive dialogue and compromise. However, the conflict in Ukraine is a deeply entrenched issue that has defied resolution for many years, and any peace plan will face significant challenges and obstacles. Ultimately, the success of China’s 12-point peace plan will depend on a variety of factors, including the commitment and cooperation of all parties involved, the effectiveness of the proposed measures, and the ability of the international community to provide support and assistance as needed.

Ukrainians think that China has come late in proposing the peace plan officially, they want their territory back which is being invaded by Russia although Russia is denying to give those territories back to Ukraine as they have done referendums in those territories and the people there want to be part of Russia, the results of these referendums are not being accepted by the International community. So, if Russia does not give back those territories to Ukraine, then it is difficult to solve the whole conflict.

Ukraine has not explicitly rejected China’s efforts to position itself as a potential mediator in the conflict between Russia and that state.

The first principle of the Chinese proposal, which calls for respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states, was supported by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

But he said that any peace agreement that did not lead to a complete Russian departure from all of the Ukrainian land had been doomed to failure.

Why can’t China stain its relationship with Russia?

China and Russia have a long history of diplomatic, economic, and military cooperation, and their relationship is based on mutual interests and respect. Both countries have common goals and share similar positions on a range of issues in global politics, such as opposition to the U.S. global dominance and support for multipolar world order.

Furthermore, China and Russia have deep economic ties, particularly in the energy sector, and have been working together to advance their strategic interests through initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative and the Eurasian Economic Union.

Given these factors, it would not be in China’s interest to risk damaging its relationship with Russia. While there may be differences and occasional disagreements between the two countries, they have shown a willingness to resolve them through dialogue and cooperation. Therefore, China is unlikely to take actions that could significantly damage its relationship with Russia. China may not want to stain its relationship with Russia in the Russo-Ukrainian war due to a few factors;

1. Strategic Interests: China has strategic interests in maintaining a strong relationship with Russia, including economic, energy, and security ties. These interests could be jeopardized if China were to take a strong stance against Russia in the conflict.
2. Non-Interference Policy: China has a long-standing policy of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries. This policy means that China is unlikely to take sides in conflicts like the Russo-Ukrainian war, as doing so could be seen as interfering in the affairs of another country.
3. Ukraine is not a strategic partner: While China has diplomatic ties with Ukraine, it does not have the same level of strategic partnership with Ukraine as it does with Russia. China’s economic ties with Ukraine are relatively small compared to its ties with Russia.

Conclusion:

China has always shown neutrality in the Ukraine Crisis but if we dig more into this matter then we can find that China is not explicitly neutral. Like every other state China is also concerned about its national interest and does not want to take any sort of damage regarding its economy as discussed above China does have a great economic interest in Russia if the war continues then it will also affect the economy of both counties. Other than economic interests China is also against Western influence and Russia also shares the same thought so it is likely for these two states to support each other in some way. China’s Peace Plan for this ongoing conflict can only come in handy if both parties agree to compromise and show cooperation but Ukraine wants its territory back which Russia is not willing to do.