US faces superpower standoff after Xi Jinping plays 'master statesman' during Putin visit
EXCLUSIVE: China may reshape the global order if it manages to broker a peace deal in Ukraine, a former jet pilot told Express.co.uk.
Russia: Vladimir Putin shakes hands with Xi Jinping
Xi Jinping's trip to Moscow on Monday poses a threat to America's role as the world's pre-eminent superpower, a former jet pilot suggested to Express.co.uk. As retired air vice-marshal Sean Bell explains, America has clearly taken a side in this war, while China equivocates. Beijing's critics paint this as moral weakness, but the move could ultimately serve China's broader strategic aims, the former jet pilot believes.
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He explained: "If China truly wants to be a global superpower, the conflict in Ukraine is the perfect one for them to do it because the only other real superpower is America, and they are embroiled. They have taken one side.
"Therefore, who can be the master statesman that brokers a deal to end this conflict?"
The former jet pilot cites China's unexpected coup in the Middle East as a sign that it seeks to recast itself as a global leader.
China brokered an agreement between Iran and Saudi Arabia to reestablish diplomatic relations last week.
READ MORE: Putin's forces hunt for downed US drone in Black Sea as relations hit 'lowest point'
The deal reached in Beijing under which the sides agreed to reopen their embassies and exchange ambassadors after seven years of tensions, shows a different side of Chinese diplomacy.
The agreement was seen as a major diplomatic triumph for China, coming as Gulf Arab states perceive the United States as winding down its involvement in the Middle East.
Beijing may seek to build on this diplomatic win in Ukraine by attempting to secure a peaceful resolution that brings an end to the conflict.
And the longer the war drags on, the easier it will be for China to cast itself as the peacemaker, Bell believes.
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He explained: "It's a war that Putin can't afford to lose. Therefore, the danger is the more the West supports Ukraine, the longer this battle continues and the battle lines are constantly redrawn.
"Neither side can actually win. And therefore, sooner or later, somebody has got to get between the egos of two individuals and broker a peace deal."
China already has an "autocratic ally" in Putin and his Russian counterpart is becoming increasingly dependent on China for financial support, Bell noted.
Beijing is therefore well-positioned to provide an off ramp to Putin while strengthening its own hand, he suggested.
China could simultaneously "take credit for using its leverage against Russia" while "forcing it to take compromises that it otherwise wouldn't necessarily want to take", the retired air-vice marshal said.
And this outcome could happen sooner rather than later, Bell believes.
This fighting season, which is now getting underway as spring sets in, "will be crucial in terms of defining where those battle lines are drawn, the beginning of the end and the start of negotiations", he predicted.
The trip that concentrated minds
Xi’s trip to Moscow — his first abroad since his re-election earlier this month — showed off Beijing’s new diplomatic swagger and gave a political lift to Putin just days after an international arrest warrant was issued for the Kremlin leader on war crimes charges related to Ukraine.
READ MORE: West urged to act as Russia just days away from taking over UN's security council
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The leaders smiled and shook hands before sitting down at the start of their meeting, calling each other “dear friend” and exchanging compliments.
Putin congratulated Xi on his re-election and voiced hope for building even stronger ties.
“China has made a colossal leap ahead in its development in recent years,” Putin said, adding that “it’s causing genuine interest all around the world, and we even feel a bit envious,” as Xi smiled.
The Kremlin leader welcomed China’s proposals for a political settlement in Ukraine and noted Russia is open for talks.
“We will discuss all those issues, including your initiative that we highly respect,” Putin said.
“Our cooperation in the international arena undoubtedly helps strengthen the basic principles of the global order and multipolarity.”
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