CNN: According to France, only China can bring a peace agreement for Ukraine

China's power and close relationship with Moscow means it may be the only country on Earth capable of brokering a deal in Ukraine, a source within the French presidency told CNN on Friday. China has already positioned itself as a potential arbiter of peace in Ukraine, with the ruling Communist Party releasing its 12-point ‘Position on the Political Settlement of the Ukraine Crisis’ in February. The document does not offer a step-by-step guide to ending the conflict, but instead lists principles to which Beijing recommends any future deal adheres. It stresses that “the sovereignty of all countries” must be respected, while also insisting that “the legitimate security interests and concerns of all countries must be taken seriously.” The document does not offer a step-by-step guide to ending the conflict, and instead lists principles to which Beijing recommends any future deal adheres. The Chinese position was welcomed by the Kremlin, but rejected by the US State Department as a “tactical move” to stall the conflict in Russia’s favor.

French President Emmanuel Macron will travel to China on Wednesday to meet with President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang. He will attempt to find a way to end the war in the medium term, but will give Xi a stern warning against providing Russia with weapons to use in Ukraine. Whether Beijing will listen is another story. With Washington stepping up its military presence around China and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen hinting at diplomatic consequences for Beijing over its relationship with Moscow, Xi signed more than a dozen agreements with Russian President Vladimir Putin last month, while the Chinese Defense Ministry said it is ready to strengthen military cooperation with Russia.