China ‘anxious and regretful’ over Ukraine war, PLA strategist says

He questioned if the United States was for peace or war, adding that Washington’s current actions would prolong the conflict.

“I want to ask if the US really wants peace? If you [the US] actually want to be the ‘black hand’ behind the scene, or are you serious about becoming the friend who brings peace?” he asked.

He’s remarks are consistent with comments made by Li Hui, China’s special envoy for Eurasian affairs, who said after wrapping up his 12-day tour of Europe last month he had felt it was “rather difficult” to get all parties to sit down at the negotiation table.

He, a former vice-president of the PLA’s Academy of Military Sciences who led the Chinese delegation to the Shangri-La Dialogue in 2017 and 2018, denied media reports that Beijing wanted to persuade Ukraine to “give up territory to Moscow as price of peace”.

“Our stance is consistent. We insist that all parties’ territorial security and sovereignty should be respected. No country can violate the security of another country for its own national security,” he said and criticised Nato for using the war to pressure and isolate Russia.

“The US treated Ukraine like cannon fodder in its struggle against Russia, so it would have one less competitor and strategic rival if Moscow loses the war.”

Zhou Chenming, a researcher at the Beijing-based Yuan Wang military science and technology think tank, said Beijing was surprised that Ukraine had put up a tough fight especially after it lost Crimea to Russia eight years ago.

“Indeed, China didn’t expect the Ukrainians could be so bold to fight against the powerful Russian troops for so long,” said Zhou, adding that he expects the war to continue until both sides become exhausted.

Other Chinese defence analysts said He and Li’s remarks reflected Beijing’s worries over the Ukraine war, which has seen both sides deploying more troops and lethal weapons in recent months.