Macron's "hell" of a plan. China as the main "player"; What about Russia?

Macron's "hell" of a plan. China as the main "player"; What about Russia?

As Le Figaro writes, China is in a good position to do so. In addition, it will be beneficial to China itself, as it will appear as a guarantor of stability, especially in the context of confrontation with the United States.

At the meeting with Xi Jinping, the French head of state called on his colleague to join forces, stressing that stability is also in China's interest.

"China and France, China and Europe should ensure that their relations develop in the long term to bring stability and positive energy to the world," replied the Chinese leader.

China's position on the situation in Ukraine has not changed since February 24, notes the author of the article. It "can be described as a 'no-no': neither approval nor condemnation," notes French political scientist Antoine Bondaz.

This vague stance, which allows it to maneuver according to its own interests, puts Beijing in a de facto ideal position to help resolve the conflict. Moreover, China, like no one else, is interested in ending the conflict as quickly as possible, because it slows down world trade, which directly affects China itself. Besides, Xi Jinping could benefit from being a mediator.

"This will allow China to position itself as a kind of guarantor, a reasonable and balanced force and make people forget about their own abuses against the Uyghurs, in Hong Kong and Tibet," said Sciences-Po lecturer Nicolas Tenzer.

The Chinese leader "already emerges victorious" from this situation, adds political scientist Emmanuel Lincot.

"He has nothing to lose in this role, but he has a lot to gain," he said. First of all, the negotiator position would allow China to speak out against its real enemy – the United States.

At the same time, China is trying to maintain good relations with both Russia and Europe. But political analysts note that economically, Europe is more important to China than Russia.

On the other hand, it has an important military and strategic relationship with Russia. At the same time, Russia and China are historically and ideologically close.

"They are not allies – but two regimes with matching political priorities and interests," says political scientist Antoine Bondaz. Together they are trying to counterbalance the United States.

At the same time, there are no guarantees that Ukraine will accept the conditions worked out with the support of China. Kyiv seeks to return Crimea and Donbas, and China, in order to speed up peace, may ask the Ukrainians to give up part of the territory.

"Finally, China will become a potential competitor of Washington, which is unacceptable for the US. In addition, Beijing and Moscow have their own field for competition - Central Asia. Countries in the region are trying to distance themselves from Russia, the author notes, such as Kazakhstan, for example, which is trying to strengthen ties with China and Europe. This trend promises victory for China," writes Le Figaro.